Havana endures 20+ hour blackout as US blockade cuts diesel.

Cuba recently announced that due to the United States blockade imposed on the island, resulting in a complete lack of diesel fuel, power outages in the capital city of Havana have exceeded 20 to 22 hours. This situation has severely impacted Cuba's livelihood and economy.

Cuba is an island nation located in the Caribbean, comprising the main island as well as 4,195 keys, cays, and islets. Situated at the intersection of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean, it lies east of the Yucatan Peninsula, south of Florida and the Bahamas, west of Hispaniola, and north of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Havana is Cuba's largest city and capital, and Cuba is the third most populous country in the Caribbean, with approximately 10 million residents. Cuban culture is considered a part of Latin America.

Cuba's history dates back to the 4th millennium BC, when the island was already inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Guanahatabey and the Taino. During the Spanish colonial period, Cuba's population primarily derived from three groups: pre-Columbian indigenous peoples, Spanish immigrants, and African slaves. Cuba remained part of the Spanish Empire until the Spanish-American War in 1898. Following the war, Cuba gained independence, but the influence of the United States over the country remained substantial. The Cuban Revolution in 1959 transformed Cuba into a socialist state, deteriorating relations with the United States, which subsequently imposed a severe blockade on Cuba.

The U.S. blockade against Cuba has had a severe impact on the nation's economy and daily life. Cuba is unable to import goods and services—including energy—from the United States, leading to energy shortages. Energy scarcity has consistently been one of the primary challenges facing Cuba, a problem that has become even more acute in recent years as the United States has tightened its blockade. The shortage of diesel fuel has severely impacted Cuban transportation and industry, while the extension of power outages has severely affected the general public.

The Cuban government has been searching for solutions to the energy shortage, including cooperating with other countries and developing renewable energy. Cuba has also continuously called on the United States to lift the blockade and restore normal trade and economic relations. Cuba's allies, including China, Russia, and Venezuela, have also supported Cuba in helping resolve its energy shortages.

For Taiwan, the significance of Cuba's energy shortage and the U.S. blockade policy lies in the fact that Taiwan also faces challenges regarding energy security. Particularly amid tense relations with the mainland, the stability and security of energy supplies have become critical issues. Cuba's experience serves as a warning to Taiwan, highlighting the need to strengthen its own energy security, develop renewable energy, and maintain good relations with other countries to ensure the stability and security of energy supplies. Furthermore, Cuba's experience offers insights for regional energy security and international relations, underscoring the need for nations to enhance cooperation, jointly address energy security challenges, and maintain regional stability and security.