The recent power outages in Havana are the result of a deepening energy crisis that has affected the whole of Cuba. The main cause is a combination of long-term neglected infrastructure, thermal power plant failures and an acute shortage of fuel, which the country largely imports.

The crisis also has a significant political and economic background. Cuba has been struggling for years with the consequences of a centrally controlled economy, low investment in energy and limited access to foreign resources. The situation is also aggravated by US sanctions and a decline in oil supplies from traditional partners, which further limits the state’s ability to ensure stable electricity production.

In practice, this means that residents face outages lasting more than half a day, which paralyzes everyday life and services. Nevertheless, the Gran Hotel Bristol Melia Collection, for example, lights up during blackouts. The reason is that luxury hotels have their own backup generators available to ensure the comfort of foreign guests.

It is this contrast between the functioning tourist facilities and the dark streets of the city that has drawn criticism and points to the uneven distribution of resources at a time of deep economic crisis.