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The frustration of the Cuban people regarding the energy crisis erupted this Wednesday on social media following the emergency appearance of Energy and Mines Minister, Vicente de La O Levy, who publicly admitted that Cuba has no fuel: "We have no fuel, no diesel, only associated gas."
The minister's statement, broadcasted by Cubavisión and Canal Caribe, came at the worst time of the year for the electrical system: that same day, the deficit reached 2,113 MW at 8:40 PM, with only 1,230 MW available against a demand of 3,250 MW, leaving approximately two-thirds of the country without electricity.
Far from accepting the official explanations, Cubans responded with fury and sarcasm. "That excuse is way too old, hand over the gloves because this can't hold up any longer," wrote a user, in a phrase that sums up the exhaustion of a citizenry that no longer believes in the regime's promises.
Other comments pointed directly to the hypocrisy of those in power. "Don't be so pretentious, you have too much fuel; you know exactly how you use it," remarked another internet user.
A third person asked directly, "Why do they, the leaders, always have electricity? Come on, explain."
Similarly, the account of Azabache Fragancia was more straightforward: "Of course there's no fuel, if they're hoarding it or selling it." For her part, a user identified as Marilyn G. added, "That ministry is pointless now; put it on barren land to produce tubers and vegetables."
De La O Levy, instead of providing concrete solutions, blamed Donald Trump, the U.S. embargo, and even the war between the United States and Iran for the lack of oil on the island.
The minister also acknowledged that failing to maintain the thermoelectric units is equivalent to losing them forever: "The situation is critical with the units. Not maintaining a unit leads to total sacrifice and complete loss. We will remain blocked, but we will continue to resist."
As the only prospect for relief, he mentioned a Russian ship that had arrived at a Cuban port: “We are open to buying fuel. If more fuel appears, we would see the effect.” He also emphasized biomass, wind turbines, and hydropower resources, calling on each municipality to "find their own solutions" for generating energy.
The crisis has structural roots that the regime cannot hide. Cuba produces barely 40,000 barrels of oil daily compared to a demand of between 90,000 and 110,000. Venezuela interrupted its shipments in November 2025, and Mexico has practically suspended its deliveries since January 2026. The only recent relief was a Russian shipment of 730,000 barrels that ran out by the end of April.
The president Miguel Díaz-Canel himself acknowledged on May 2: “This oil is running out these days, and we don’t know when more fuel will arrive in Cuba.” In April, only one of the eight fuel ships that Cuba needs at a minimum each month arrived, as Díaz-Canel himself recognized.
The Cuban electrical system has experienced at least seven total collapses in 18 months. The most severe occurred on March 16, 2026, when the island was completely in the dark for 29 hours and 29 minutes, and just six days later, a seventh total collapse took place.
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