Protests Erupt in Havana Amidst Extreme Power Outages

What Happened

New protests erupted in Havana on the night of May 14, 2026, as residents of Guanabacoa took to the streets. They used barricades and bonfires to voice their anger over prolonged power outages plaguing the Cuban capital. Videos shared online showed streets filled with flames and smoke, with a visible police presence amidst the nighttime demonstrations.

Some reports indicated that demonstrators responded with stones as law enforcement advanced. The protests were not confined to one area, spreading to other Havana municipalities. In Marianao, street blockades and protests occurred due to the electrical cuts. Playa also saw reports of alleged police repression against protesters.

Where and When

The protests primarily occurred in Havana on the night of May 14, 2026. Key areas affected included Guanabacoa, where barricades and fires were prominent. Marianao experienced street closures and demonstrations, while Playa reported incidents of alleged repression. A CUPET service station at the intersection of Dolores and 24 was also stoned in the early morning hours, indicating the unrest's reach.

The immediate trigger for these demonstrations was the worsening national energy crisis. The Union Eléctrica reported a record deficit of 2,113 MW during peak evening hours on May 13, with electricity availability far below the country's demand.

Why It Matters

These protests highlight the severe impact of the ongoing energy crisis on daily life in Cuba. Extended power outages of up to 22 hours, as acknowledged by the Minister of Energy and Mines for some Havana circuits, are unsustainable for residents. This widespread discontent reflects a growing societal frustration with economic and infrastructure challenges.

The events underscore the fragility of the current situation, where basic services are failing, leading to direct public expressions of dissatisfaction. The government's response and the citizens' actions demonstrate a clear tension between state control and public demand for solutions.

What Parties Say

The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, publicly admitted that some Havana circuits are experiencing daily blackouts lasting between 20 and 22 hours due to fuel shortages and limitations in the national power grid. Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, a leader of the CDR (Committees for the Defense of the Revolution), commented on social media about incidents like container fires, attributing the energy crisis to the impact of the U.S. embargo. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel recently responded to criticism, stating, "Cuba is still standing." The Cuban Observatory of Conflicts reported over 1,100 protests and demonstrations in April 2026.

What Comes Next

The situation suggests a continued period of social unrest if the energy crisis is not addressed effectively. Observers will be watching for further government measures to stabilize the power grid and manage public dissent. The resilience of "Cuba is still standing," as claimed by President Díaz-Canel, will be tested against the backdrop of persistent economic and infrastructure challenges.

The increase in protests, as reported by the Cuban Observatory of Conflicts, indicates a sustained rise in social discontent. Future actions will likely depend on the reliability of essential services, particularly electricity, and the government's capacity to respond to the demands of its citizens.