Cuba’s Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy has confirmed that the country has fully exhausted its diesel and fuel oil reserves.
Speaking in an interview with state media, de la O Levy explained that while small quantities of gas remain available, the national energy system is now in a “critical” condition, blaming supply constraints linked to a US-led blockade on oil imports.
Reuters reported that scattered demonstrations broke out in Havana on Wednesday as residents protested prolonged electricity outages affecting the capital.
The United States this week renewed an offer of $100 million in assistance to Cuba, tied to what it described as “meaningful reforms” of the country’s political system.
De la O Levy stressed that all major fuel categories have been depleted, stating that crude oil and fuel oil are completely unavailable, while diesel stocks have also been exhausted, leaving only limited domestically produced gas as the remaining energy source.
He added that sections of Havana are experiencing blackouts lasting between 20 and 22 hours daily due to fuel shortages affecting power generation.
The minister further acknowledged that the situation across the island has become “extremely tense,” with widespread disruption to essential services.
Hospitals are struggling to operate normally, schools and government institutions have been shut in some areas, and the tourism sector has also been heavily affected.
Cuba traditionally depends on oil imports from Venezuela and Mexico to sustain its energy needs, but shipments have largely stopped following US tariff threats targeting countries supplying fuel to the island.
Against this backdrop, renewed protests erupted in Havana on Wednesday evening, with hundreds of residents blocking streets, burning rubbish, and chanting anti-government slogans.
According to Reuters, this was the largest wave of demonstrations in the capital since the energy crisis began earlier this year.
In the San Miguel del Padrón district, residents were heard shouting “turn on the lights!” amid growing frustration over persistent power cuts, AFP reported.
On social media, President Miguel Díaz-Canel attributed the crisis to what he called a “genocidal energy blockade” imposed by the United States, while acknowledging the “particularly tense” national situation.
He insisted that the worsening fuel shortage is primarily driven by US policy, including threats of secondary sanctions against countries exporting oil to Cuba.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently claimed Havana rejected a $100 million humanitarian aid package, a statement Cuban authorities denied.
Washington has reiterated that the aid offer remains available, saying it would be coordinated through the Catholic Church and other trusted humanitarian partners.
US officials argue that the final decision rests with Cuba, warning that refusal of assistance would leave the government responsible for worsening humanitarian conditions.
In recent months, the US has also expanded sanctions targeting senior Cuban officials, accusing them of human rights violations as part of a broader tightening of restrictions.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has dismissed the measures as unlawful and politically motivated, describing them as abusive actions against the country.