The acute energy crisis that has Cuba experiencing daily blackouts and severe difficulties in guaranteeing fuel is forcing the regime to seek new economic players and management formulas to support the country's strategic sectors.
During a televised appearance this Friday, Miguel Díaz-Canel indirectly acknowledged the magnitude of the problem by revealing that in the last five months, only one oil tanker has reached the Island. He attributed this situation to the so-called "criminal energy blockade" imposed by the United States, which, he admitted, has affected the functioning of the national economy.
The statement represents one of the most explicit acknowledgments made by the government regarding the difficulties in ensuring fuel supply in the country, at a time when breakdowns in thermal power plants, lack of generation, and diesel shortages have led to widespread electricity outages across the nation.
In light of this scenario, Díaz-Canel assured that the government is betting on a transformation of the economic model that will allow for the inclusion of new participants in areas deemed key for the country's recovery.
In terms of energy, the president stated that one of the priorities will be to accelerate the development of renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
"Another priority that has been addressed and encouraged relates to the use of Renewable Energy Sources in all areas," he stated.
Also announced a commitment to electric mobility, both through the importation of equipment and through its manufacturing and assembly on the island.
"We are committed to increasing electric mobility, both through the import of electric equipment and through the assembly and manufacturing in Cuba of various types of equipment," he noted.
The statements come at a time when the national electric power system is experiencing a critical situation, marked by generation deficits that often exceed half of the national demand, and by an increasing dependence on fuels that the country struggles to import due to a lack of foreign currency.
The commitment to renewable energy
Since February of this year, the regime authorized the direct sale of energy generated by companies and individuals, with a rate of 90 CUP/kWh for producers of renewable sources.
Cuba has 49 solar parks connected to the National Electric System (SEN), with a capacity between 900 and 1,000 MW, and the plan is to reach 92 parks by 2028, supported by a Chinese donation of over 114 million dollars.
However, the expert Jorge Piñón warned this Friday that the situation will not improve in the short term: there are between 10 and 11 thermoelectric units out of service, nearly 60% of the 19 units across the eight plants in the country.
On May 14, a record deficit of 2,174 MW was registered, with only 976 MW available against a demand of 3,150 MW, leaving 70% of the country without electricity at the same time.
New actors to sustain the economy
But the official response to the crisis is not limited to the energy sector.
As part of the Economic and Social Program planned for 2026, Díaz-Canel announced a series of transformations aimed at flexibilizing the functioning of the economy and expanding the role of various productive actors.
Among the most significant measures is the strengthening of municipal autonomy, allowing territories to directly manage exports, imports, investments, and local development projects.
The ruler also announced expanded powers for state-owned companies, which will be able to engage in foreign trade, directly participate in the currency market, and establish partnerships with other economic players.
One of the most striking elements of the announcements was the intention to increase the economic participation of Cubans residing outside the island.
According to Díaz-Canel, the new regulations aim to allow for investment on equal terms alongside state-owned companies, cooperatives, small and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes), and foreign capital.
The government also plans to expedite the approval of foreign investment projects and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles to attract capital.
The measures also include incentives to increase agricultural production, reduce idle lands, and facilitate partnerships between state and private producers.
In the tourism sector, hard hit by the decline in visitors and the departure of some international hotel chains, Díaz-Canel acknowledged the need to explore new solutions.
Therefore, the regime aims to promote real estate and tourism businesses with new partners and economic players that can leverage the existing infrastructure.
The proposals also include relaxing the permitted activities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (mipymes), expanding opportunities for economic partnerships, and facilitating direct export and import operations without mandatory intermediaries.
The leader also announced that the policy of replacing general subsidies with targeted assistance for vulnerable individuals will continue.
At the same time, he announced a reduction in ministries, positions, and administrative structures, with the stated aim of cutting expenses and allocating more resources to social programs and future salary reforms.
Although Díaz-Canel presented these measures as part of a strategy to overcome current difficulties, the announcements come in a context marked by a deep economic crisis, recurring blackouts, fuel shortages, inflation, and a growing deterioration of living conditions for the Cuban population.
Filed under: