Cuba Promotes Charcoal and Firewood Amidst Energy Crisis

What Happened

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has called for ensuring the availability of charcoal and firewood for cooking. This directive comes amidst a severe energy crisis affecting the island, compounded by shortages of domestic gas and significant deficits in electricity generation. The president emphasized leveraging local resources for both food production and cooking fuel.

Where and When

The call was made during a visit to the Antonio Guiteras Defense Zone in Habana del Este, Havana, on the occasion of Cuba's National Defense Day, around March 28, 2026. This occurred in a context where the country has been experiencing intensified energy challenges since early 2026.

Why It Matters

This situation directly impacts the daily lives of Cubans, particularly in Havana, as traditional cooking methods are being revived due to the unreliability of gas and electricity. The energy deficit, estimated at 2,040 megawatts, disrupts essential services like water supply, forcing authorities to seek alternative solutions such as solar power for pumping systems.

What Parties Say

President Díaz-Canel stressed the importance of utilizing local capacities for food and fuel. Ministers Álvaro López Miera and Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas were present during the announcement. Local authorities in Habana del Este, like Municipal Defense Council President Maikel Pérez Valdés, have acknowledged the effects on water supply and are exploring alternative energy sources.

What Comes Next

The government's focus on alternative cooking fuels like charcoal and firewood suggests a continued reliance on these methods until the broader energy infrastructure issues are resolved. Citizens will likely continue to face disruptions in electricity and gas supply, necessitating adaptation to these traditional solutions. Further power outages and service impacts are possible as the nation navigates its energy deficit.