Cuba warns of worsening blackouts as fuel crisis bites

[El Presidente]

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/cuba-warns-worsening-blackouts-fuel-crisis-bites-2023-09-28/

Cuba warns of worsening blackouts as fuel crisis bites

By Marc Frank

 

 

HAVANA, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Power blackouts in Cuba are expected to increase significantly due to a lack of fuel, officials warned in a nationwide TV broadcast, worsening the country's plight as it deals with food and medicine shortages.

Local governments have already begun announcing restrictions on power usage at state-run companies and other entities, including moves to postpone sporting events and university classes.

"We are not going to have the level of fuel we need or what we had in previous months," Energy and Mining Minister Vicente de la O Levy told the broadcast late on Wednesday alongside the country's economy minister.

The officials suggested citizens could expect blackouts of up to eight to 10 hours per day starting in October outside of Havana, where residents are usually spared power outages.

The Communist-run island has been mired in crisis and plagued by blackouts and shortages of food, medicine and fuel since the pandemic. Gross domestic product is 8% below 2020 levels and goods production 40% below, according to the government.

Cuba says U.S. sanctions are largely to blame for the crisis, depriving the country of foreign exchange to import most of its fuel, food and other supplies. Washington says the Communist Party is responsible for Cuba's ills and that the sanctions aim to restore democracy and respect for human rights.

The officials on Wednesday said Cuba was making daily efforts to secure fuel to keep the country running, without explaining why the situation had gone from bad to worse.

[PigFish]

… I think that there are a few typos here. “Keep the country running” is an erroneous translation. It should read “keep ruining the country…”

Now back to your local station…

[NSXCIGAR]

I'm there now and can confirm word is coming down from the economy minister last night. A few friends can't recall a similar announcement any time recently so there's serious concern among the people right now. They're saying 15 days of strife but everyone knows that probably means 2 months and it will be worse than advertised. 

Very tough situation.