Cuba out of fuel amid U.S. sanctions; energy crisis and shortages spark protests

Power blackouts have increased dramatically over the last two weeks across the capital of Havana and throughout Cuba. Officials describe the current situation as extremely tense as the country suffers from widespread power cuts.

Energy Minister Vincente de la O Levy stated that the nation's diesel and fuel oil reserves have completely run dry. According to the minister, oil reserves sent by Russia have run out under a tightened US fuel embargo. President Trump has imposed this blockade and threatened tariffs on any countries that provide fuel to the island.

The lack of fuel needed to operate power plants has sparked civil unrest. On Wednesday night, dozens of Cubans took to the streets outside of Havana to protest the crippling blackouts and fuel shortages.

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