Cuba Struggles with Energy Crisis as U.S. Blocks Oil Supplies

The Brief

Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis, with its oil reserves completely depleted due to the long-standing U.S. embargoes. This has led to widespread power outages across the country, severely impacting daily life for Cubans. The Trump administration has been pushing the socialist regime to implement reforms and remove foreign spy technology from its territory. While there are reports suggesting that Raul Castro could face an indictment, it remains unclear whether this would result in a direct military operation.

What We Know

TAMPA, Fla – Cuba's economy is in a dire state, with its infrastructure deteriorating rapidly. The country produces less than half the oil it needs and has officially run out of its reserves, according to multiple international reports.

As a result, Cubans are experiencing frequent power outages. The limited fuel available is being used primarily for hospitals and other essential services. For the general public, electricity may only be available for 30 to 90 minutes each day. During these short windows, residents rush to cook and complete their tasks. Otherwise, they rely on charcoal or wood for cooking and often sleep outside at night due to the heat.

A History of Conflict

The backstory

Cuba’s energy grid has been in decline for years, a problem that was largely hidden by its reliance on oil from Venezuela. However, after the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, the Trump administration took control of the Venezuelan oil industry, cutting off shipments to Cuba. The U.S. then blocked most other foreign oil imports into the island nation.

The intention behind these severe restrictions is to force the Cuban regime to step down or make significant changes. Additionally, the U.S. is demanding that Cuba remove Chinese and Russian spy technology currently operating within its borders.

The View from Washington

What they're saying

U.S. officials have made it clear that they do not see a viable path forward under the current Cuban leadership.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated:

"It's a broken, non-functional economy, and it's impossible to change it. I wish it were different.... You cannot change the economic trajectory of Cuba as long as the people who are in charge of it, now, are in charge of it."

The number of barrels Cuba needs and produces include:

• 100,000: The approximate number of barrels of oil Cuba needs every single day to run its country.
• 40,000: The maximum number of barrels per day Cuba can produce internally.

Meanwhile, former dictator Raul Castro, 94, still holds considerable influence behind the scenes.

President Donald Trump previously indicated that Venezuela was just the first step, hinting that Cuba would be next:

"Taking Cuba, I mean, whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth... I do believe I'll have the honor of having the honor of taking Cuba. That'd be good. That's a big honor."

What's Next

Sources indicate that the U.S. government could soon indict former leader Raul Castro. The charges are likely related to the 1996 shootdown of civilian aircraft over the Straits of Florida, which resulted in the deaths of three Americans and one permanent U.S. resident. Four members of Congress—three from South Florida—have already signed a letter urging the President to proceed with the indictment.

If indicted, the U.S. government could follow up with a military operation to capture Castro, similar to actions taken in Venezuela.

Tampa's Cuban Ties

Local Perspective

Tampa has deep historic, cultural, and familial connections to Cuba. In fact, in the 1800s, the Cuban independence movement was organized in Tampa. As the U.S. government attempts to liberate Cuba once again, the embargo is having a growing, devastating impact on the people of Cuba, affecting local families with loved ones still living in Cuba.

Dig Deeper

For a comprehensive explanation of the background of Cuba, the current oppression, crumbling infrastructure, and where this could lead, watch our in-depth coverage on the FOX Local App. Go to "Original Shows" and click on Money, Power & Politics.