Why Cuba has been plunged into darkness amid major power blackouts

• Millions of people across Havana and western Cuba were plunged into darkness on Wednesday due to a widespread power outage.
• The blackout was triggered by the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, one of Cuba's largest, following a boiler leak and pipe burst.
• An energy official indicated that restoring operations at the affected plant could take a minimum of 72 hours, with only 2.5% of Havana's power restored by late afternoon.
• This incident is the second major outage in western Cuba in three months, underscoring the island's severe energy shortages and crumbling electric grid.
• Underlying issues include ageing power plants, lack of maintenance, US sanctions hindering equipment purchases, and dwindling oil reserves following an attack on Venezuela, alongside a threat from Donald Trump regarding oil supply.

IN FULL

Major blackout leaves millions without power as Cuba’s energy crisis deepens