Power Goes Out Across Much of Cuba as Havana's Woes Mount.

The article focuses on a massive blackout in Cuba caused by the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras power plant, the island's largest facility, which led to the collapse of the electrical grid covering about two-thirds of the country. The blackout occurred amid intensified U.S. efforts to restrict Cuba's access to fuel and financing, including halting subsidized oil shipments from Venezuela and limiting imports, which has exacerbated existing fuel shortages and aging infrastructure. Cuba's thermoelectric plants require approximately 100,000 barrels of oil daily, but domestic production meets only two-fifths of this demand, leading to frequent power outages, especially in rural and provincial areas. In response to economic pressures, the Cuban government has begun authorizing private companies to partner with state enterprises as part of broader economic reforms. [Extracted from the article]