Electricity Generation Deficit Exceeds 1,400 MW as Russian Fuel Runs Dry

Cuba's electricity generation deficit surpassed 1,400 MW by April 27 as the emergency Russian fuel shipment was exhausted ahead of schedule. The deficit — representing nearly a third of Cuba's total generating capacity of approximately 4,500 MW — translated to blackouts exceeding 15–20 hours daily in most provinces, with eastern Cuba near-total 24-hour outages. Havana's preferential fuel allocation began to erode as national reserves dwindled. The situation was compounded by the continued deterioration of Cuba's aging thermoelectric power plants, which could not operate at capacity even when fuel was available. The crisis entered its fourth month since the US effective blockade on Venezuelan oil began in January 2026, with no diplomatic breakthrough following the April 20 US–Cuba talks.