This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Luisa Blanco is a Professor of Public Policy at Pepperdine University's Institute for Humane Studies and Isabella Elias is a Master of Public Policy Candidate at Pepperdine University.
Cuba , the country鈥檚 energy minister announced on May 14, 2026.
It marks a new depth to the island鈥檚 energy crisis, which amid the tightening of imposed in January 2026.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on May 13 that the U.S. continues to be of up to US$100 million 鈥� but only if Cuba reforms its communist government. The State Department did not provide many specifics, but according to Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, who is involved in the discussions on behalf of the Catholic Church in its role as distribution partner of U.S. aid, .
But at current prices, this aid would buy only about 20 days鈥� worth of oil for the island nation, covering a mere .
As an and a , we believe that the broader history of Cuba鈥檚 energy sector sheds some light on the current situation.
Dependence on foreign oil
For most of Cuba鈥檚 history, its energy capabilities lacked a stable infrastructure. This was primarily due to its dependence on foreign countries for the supply of oil necessary to produce electricity.
According to the official history of the state-run energy company, Union El茅ctrica, until 1956 only about 56% of the country鈥檚 population . By 1992, that number had grown to 95%, largely due to fuel supplies and technological aid sourced from the former Soviet Union.
However, beginning in 1989, the weakening and eventual marked a return to energy insecurity, and electricity produced in Cuba .
In 1998, was elected president of Venezuela. Within a year, he had negotiated a deal with Cuban President that made Venezuela . This was a lifeline for Cuba.
of petroleum and oil to Cuba through 2021. And though there is no data past 2021, we know that Venezuela continued to be a major oil supplier to Cuba until Jan. 3, 2026, Venezuelan President Nicol谩s Maduro in Caracas.
Finding a long-term solution
The current U.S. embargo on Cuba now puts the nation in a situation similar to the one it faced when the USSR fell. Memories of 1989 linger in the minds of many Cubans. The cause may be different, but the blackouts Cuba is now experiencing are not new.
As oil limitations persist, Cuba is increasingly looking to alternative sources of energy, and it has found one . Historical experience with energy insecurity and the recent blackouts have helped spur the transition.
Still, the nation relies heavily on oil for most of its energy production. According to data from the International Energy Agency, , while solar accounts for just 0.84%.
And a transition to solar energy does not necessarily equate to energy independence. Indeed, part of Cuba鈥檚 transition to solar energy has already been expedited by assistance from foreign nations, and . China鈥檚 contributions through its , as well as Brazil鈥檚 assistance, indicate that Cuba鈥檚 reliance on foreign powers for energy will likely continue.
But at this point, one thing is clear: There is no short-term, immediate solution to satisfying the oil energy requirements of Cuba鈥檚 electrical grid. There is a clear need for a long-term solution to a long-term problem.
Whatever Cuba chooses to do about its energy crisis, it will also remain dependent on foreign nations. The questions are, which nations and how dependent?
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