AGP Executive Report

Energy Crisis/Blackouts: Cuba’s National Electric System (SEN) suffered another total disconnection Tuesday, the third in nine days, leaving about 9.6–10 million people without power as fuel shortages and aging thermoelectric plants keep collapsing the grid; UNE and the Ministry of Energy and Mines said restoration protocols are underway via “micro-islands,” with priority services like hospitals and food processing targeted first. Sanctions & Fuel Imports: Multiple reports tie the worsening outages to a tightening U.S. oil blockade that cut Venezuela’s supply after January and later squeezed other imports, while Washington also expanded sanctions to hit Cuba’s tourism and fuel-related entities. U.S. Pressure on Tourism: The latest U.S. sanctions package targets Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism and additional state-linked firms involved in fuel imports, exports, and foreign trade—aiming to pressure Havana’s key foreign-exchange sector. Investment/ICT Outreach: Cuba promoted business opportunities at ICT Fair 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting telecom, software, renewable energy, and digital services, alongside recent foreign-investment rule changes (Decree 153). Policy Dialogue Claims: A U.S. congressional delegation visited Havana and said it witnessed the “harmful effects” of the U.S. blockade, while Cuban officials reiterated that Cuba is not the threat—the blockade is.

Energy Crisis: Cuba’s national electric grid collapsed again, with the energy ministry citing a “total disconnection,” marking the third major blackout in nine days and hitting about 10 million people amid a fuel squeeze. US Sanctions Pressure: Washington expanded sanctions tied to Cuba’s tourism and energy ecosystem, targeting MINTUR and additional state-linked entities as lawmakers and critics warn the measures deepen shortages and disrupt daily life. Diplomatic Fallout: A Reuters report says Cuba’s blackout wave is linked to the US oil blockade after Venezuela’s fuel support was cut, while Cuba’s leadership frames the outages as the result of “energy blockade” pressure. Security Claims: Trump said the US is investigating claims of Iranian drones stored in Cuba, promising action if confirmed, as the administration also escalates sanctions and rhetoric. Humanitarian Aid: Brazil sent 48 tons of powdered milk to Cuba in two flights to address severe shortages. Industry & Logistics: Reuters also notes Cuba’s zoo is struggling with diesel scarcity, forcing animal transport on horse carts and electric tricycles.

US Sanctions Push Into Cuba’s Tourism and Energy: Washington expanded its “maximum pressure” campaign with new sanctions on 10 Cuban entities, including MINTUR (Ministry of Tourism) plus state-linked energy firms Enetec and Coreydan, foreign trade and maritime groups (GECOMEX, GEMAR), and militia/surveillance-linked organizations like MTT, Rapid Response Brigades, and ACRC—aimed at cutting revenue streams tied to repression. Havana Responds: President Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez called the move “war” and “genocidal,” saying it targets livelihoods and deepens the crisis. Energy Crisis Still Dominates Industry: The backdrop is worsening grid instability and fuel shortages, with Cuba repeatedly reporting nationwide blackouts and blaming the “energy blockade.” Tourism Deal-Making Despite Pressure: Cuba and Mexico signed an agreement to extend the Mayan World tourism program to the island, linking multi-destination routes with Havana and Varadero as the sector tries to recover from its downturn. US-Cuba Security Claims: Trump also said the US is investigating possible Iranian drones in Cuba, adding another layer of uncertainty for business and travel.

US Sanctions on Tourism Revenue: The Trump administration sanctioned Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism and nine state-linked entities, alleging they funnel money to the “regime,” including territorial troop militias, rapid response brigades, and port/maritime transport firms—another pressure point tied to the broader energy blockade. Grid Collapse Reality Check: Reuters reports a second nationwide blackout cycle leaving millions without power, with knock-on failures in water pumping and daily survival in Havana’s “solares,” underscoring how fuel shortages and aging infrastructure are hitting basic services. Market Reform Push: Cuba is rolling out 176 economic measures to speed approvals, expand private and foreign capital activity, and use market mechanisms for resource allocation—framed as efficiency inside socialism, not a retreat. Agriculture Land Rights Update: New rules let usufruct land be inherited (including by Cubans abroad), with incentives for producers and clearer cooperative roles in land decisions. Construction Skills for Scarcity: A Guantánamo workshop (UNDP-backed) is training builders in traditional low-cement methods—brick vaults, adobe, and recycled shipping containers—aimed at practical housing output. Local Transport Innovation: In Baracoa, “chivichanas” (homemade carts) keep moving farm goods along La Farola, showing how rural logistics adapt when infrastructure and fuel are strained. Migration Smuggling Crackdown: Brazil’s Federal Police describe a transnational network exploiting Cuban migrants through clandestine logistics, extortion, and abandonment—linking regional routes to organized crime.

Energy Crisis: Cuba suffered another islandwide blackout for the second time in a week, with the grid hit by a “fluctuation in the parameters” after a failure in the Santa Clara–Sancti Spíritus line, leaving nearly 10 million people without power as fuel shortages and aging infrastructure keep plants offline. Restoration & Resilience: While some areas began coming back online, Havana also saw circuit outages and transformer/overload problems; at the same time, ETECSA is pushing photovoltaic systems at telecom centers in Guantánamo to keep landlines, data, and Wi‑Fi running during fuel cuts. Security & Infrastructure Sabotage: Pinar del Río prosecutors opened investigations into alleged sabotage tied to stolen state fuel and electrical parts, including 4,000 liters taken from an agro supply reserve and diesel siphoned from a power plant. Tourism & Trade Links: Cuba is trying to revive arrivals by joining Mexico’s “Mundo Maya” circuit via a new multi-destination package connecting Havana and Varadero with southeastern Mexican heritage sites. Counterfeit Crackdown: Spain dismantled a counterfeit Habanos operation, seizing 33,840 fake cigars and production equipment meant to mimic premium Cuban brands for European sales.

Energy Crisis: Cuba’s National Electric System collapsed again on Friday, the second nationwide blackout in a week and the fourth since the start of 2026, leaving nearly 10 million people without power as fuel shortages and aging infrastructure bite; officials say restoration is slow and uneven, with Havana getting only a small share of service while priority circuits cover hospitals and water. Grid Restoration: Minem reports parts of the western microsystem are being reconnected via synchronized thermoelectric units, but the system remains fragile and restart protocols are repeatedly reset after new voltage problems. Public Reaction: On the July 11 anniversary, protests and cacerolazos spread in Havana and Guanabacoa amid blackout conditions, while authorities increased security presence. Policy & Sanctions: Cuba’s government and foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez again blamed an “energy blockade” and intensified U.S. sanctions, while China urged the U.S. to end the blockade at the UN. Health & Daily Life: Blackouts are worsening food spoilage, business interruptions, and stress, and even solar battery theft hit a maternity home in Matanzas, showing how shortages ripple into basic care. Foreign Pressure: Miami lawmakers pushed new sanctions targeting Cuba’s state medical services, calling the program forced-labor “slavery.”

Energy Crisis/Power Grid: Cuba suffered a second nationwide blackout in five days and the fourth total collapse of 2026, with the SEN dropping after a failure on the 220 kV line between Santa Clara and Sancti Spíritus; UNE says restoration is underway but fragile, with only a fraction of demand covered and fuel limits forcing “microsystems” and priority supply to hospitals and water. Restoration Steps: Minem reports gradual reconnection efforts, including synchronization of Unit 1 at Santa Cruz del Norte to the western microsystem, while other plants are being started or synchronized to rebuild capacity. Fuel Shortages/Infrastructure Strain: Multiple reports tie the crisis to months-long oil and fuel disruptions linked to the U.S. “energy blockade,” leaving generation capacity far below demand and making any single failure cascade into total shutdowns. Local Impacts/Services: The blackout also disrupted communications in Matanzas (radio/TV interruptions) and deepened daily losses for small businesses; in Cárdenas, batteries from solar panels were stolen from a maternity home while pregnant women and staff were inside. Politics & Repression: As Cuba marks the fifth anniversary of 11J, U.S. officials renewed calls for political prisoner releases while Cuban authorities and critics point to worsening living conditions, daily protests, and heightened repression. Diplomacy: China urged the U.S. to end the blockade during the UN debate, echoing broader international pressure.

Energy Crisis/Blackouts: Cuba’s grid collapsed again, with a second nationwide blackout in five days after a total disconnection on Friday at 4:30 p.m., leaving millions without power as UNE and the Energy Ministry activated recovery protocols; the outages are tied to severe fuel shortages and aging infrastructure, with Havana blaming the U.S. oil blockade and Washington citing mismanagement. Diplomacy & Sanctions: Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz said Cuba is in sensitive talks with U.S. representatives to seek solutions through dialogue, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio marked the fifth anniversary of 11J by demanding the release of political prisoners and reaffirming pressure for reforms. Foreign Investment: Cuba amended foreign investment rules via Decree 153/2026 to speed approvals by cutting intermediate steps and setting new deadlines for evaluating and formalizing projects. Healthcare/Medical Exports: Miami lawmakers pushed new sanctions targeting Cuba’s overseas medical services, calling the program “modern day slavery,” as the U.S. continues tightening pressure on hard-currency earners. Safety/Construction: A 25-year-old Cuban worker died after losing control of a high-pressure cement hose at a construction site, underscoring ongoing workplace safety campaigns.

Energy Crisis/Power Grid: Cuba’s National Electric System (SEN) suffered a total collapse again at 4:30 p.m., the second nationwide blackout in days and the fourth in 2026, leaving millions in the dark as UNE and the Energy Ministry activated restoration protocols amid severe fuel shortages. Sanctions & Fuel Supply: Multiple reports tie the grid failures to a U.S. oil blockade that has sharply reduced imports since January, with Cuba producing only about 40% of needed fuel and outages stretching long enough to disrupt commerce, water services, and hospitals. Healthcare Strain: A separate report shows patients waiting for scans because key equipment is offline or tied up by power limits, highlighting how the energy crunch is worsening an already stressed healthcare system. Water Crisis: Havana’s water crisis affecting over 500,000 users is linked to the same fuel-and-electricity shortfalls, since most pumping depends on the grid. Local Adaptation: As transport and power falter, Cubans are increasingly using solar-powered electric tricycles to move people and goods when buses and fuel are scarce. Industry Resilience: ICAIC says it’s keeping film production and screenings going despite electricity limits, including restoration shipments and mobile cinema activity. Regional Support: CARICOM leaders say hurdles to aid for Cuba have eased, with potential support aimed at essentials like food and solar hardware.

Energy Crisis & Grid Reliability: Cuba’s national electric system suffered another total disconnection, with the UNE and the electrical workers’ union saying causes were under investigation while only part of demand was covered and restoration lagged amid a severe fuel shortage. Power Deficit Record: A new peak-demand shortfall was reported as scheduled units failed to come online, leaving most of the island facing major cuts. Fuel Shortage Workarounds: With gasoline scarce and blackouts frequent, many Cubans are turning to small electric tricycles—often solar-equipped—to move people and goods when buses and cars can’t run. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz says Havana is in sensitive, official talks with U.S. representatives to “seek solutions” via dialogue, while warning that criticism is meant to sow distrust. UN Sanctions Debate: Cuba used a UN General Assembly debate to denounce the U.S. embargo and an “energy siege,” showing blackout impacts as part of its argument. Medical Cooperation in Europe: Italy’s Calabria says it will keep Cuban doctors in public hospitals despite U.S. pressure, citing staffing needs as local departments struggle to stay open. Storm Damage to Infrastructure & Food: A severe storm in Pilón, Granma destroyed temporary school tents, damaged solar panels and disrupted electricity, while also hitting banana and mango crops. CARICOM Aid Push: CARICOM leaders say hurdles are cleared to deliver a humanitarian aid package for Cuba, including food and hardware like solar units and batteries.

Power Crisis: Cuba’s national grid suffered a total disconnection on July 6, leaving about 10 million people without electricity as fuel shortages and an ageing system keep triggering long blackouts; the UNE said causes are under investigation while crews work to restore service. Energy Blockade at the UN: Cuba won a UN General Assembly debate on the U.S. blockade, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denouncing an “energy siege” and showing blackout impacts, but the push faces weakening support from some key countries. Diplomatic Channel: Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz says Cuba has maintained sensitive contacts with the U.S. to “seek solutions” through dialogue on bilateral differences. Medical Services Under Pressure: Italy’s Calabria refuses U.S. pressure to end Cuba’s doctors program, where more than 200 Cuban staff support remote hospitals; U.S. officials have criticized the scheme as a revenue source. Digital Dependence Risk: Cuba suspended Visa and Mastercard after a U.S. executive order, hitting tourism and showing how sanctions on payment systems can quickly disrupt core services. Local Industry & Recycling: In Holguín, an MSME in eastern Cuba expands plastic bottle recycling, turning waste into raw material and linking collection to a brewery contract via a digital exchange.

Energy Crisis/Power Grid: Cuba reported a total disconnection of its national electric system on Monday, leaving about 10 million people without power, as fuel shortages and a near-total halt in imports continue to cripple generation and restoration. Economic Reforms/State Firms: The government rolled out 176 economic measures, including letting state-owned enterprises set their own salaries and prices and create subsidiaries, aiming to stabilize output and attract investment amid a projected GDP contraction. Food & Retail Inflation: In Matanzas, Cubans say price caps are gone and cooking oil, bologna, and other basics now swing day to day, pushing shoppers to hunt for cheaper stores. Humanitarian Aid/Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM’s humanitarian shipment for Cuba cleared sanctions-related banking hurdles, while Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago offered to mediate talks between Washington and Havana. Healthcare/International Cooperation: An Italian region in Calabria is keeping Cuba’s doctors in place despite U.S. pressure, citing staffing gaps that forced closures. Education/Engineering Links: Cuba and Namibia expanded academic ties after Namibian officials visited the University of Holguín, where students study mechanical and civil engineering.

Power Crisis & Industry Disruption: Cuba’s national grid suffered a total disconnection again on July 6, leaving about 10 million people without electricity as fuel shortages and a collapsing system continue to drive outages lasting up to 22 hours. Energy Inequality in Practice: In Matanzas, circuits around the PCC and provincial government reportedly stayed dark for days while air conditioners kept running—fueling fresh anger over uneven access. State Enterprise Reform: Cuba rolled out major changes to state-company management under the 176 economic measures, letting firms set wages and prices, plan profits, and create subsidiaries with less central approval. Urban Logistics & Food Security: Havana’s trash and sewage backlog is worsening, with only about 41% of garbage trucks operational due to diesel shortages, raising health risks that can hit the food supply chain. Diplomacy & Humanitarian Trade: CARICOM’s humanitarian aid for Cuba cleared sanctions-related banking hurdles after multiple rejections, while Caribbean leaders offered to mediate U.S.-Cuba talks. UN Blockade Debate: The UN General Assembly held another debate pushing for an end to the U.S. blockade, despite U.S. efforts to block it.

Energy Crisis Update: Cuba’s grid was fully restored early Wednesday after the third nationwide blackout of 2026, but officials warned more outages are likely as fuel shortages keep production below demand. Blackout Fallout: The collapse left about 9.6 million people without power, with restoration slowed by low fuel and aging infrastructure; protests and daily-life disruptions spread as families struggled with cooking, refrigeration, and transport. UN Diplomacy on Blockade: At the UN General Assembly, Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez and other delegations pushed for an end to the U.S. blockade, pointing to blackouts and humanitarian impacts, while the U.S. envoy Mike Waltz faced sharp rebuttals. Local Resilience in Health: In Guantánamo, El Salvador municipality completed solar installations for polyclinics and care facilities to reduce dependence on the grid and keep critical medical services running during outages. Food Production Push: Cuba’s Urban, Suburban and Family Agriculture Program continues expanding in places like Niceto Pérez to boost local harvests amid shortages. Sports & Industry Culture: Industriales won the IV Cuban Baseball Elite League title, ending a 16-year drought for Havana.

UN Blockade Push: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez used a UN General Assembly debate to demand an end to the U.S. economic, commercial, financial and energy blockade, calling the fuel restrictions an “act of war” and urging delegates to “ask the Cuban people if they suffer.” Diplomatic Clash: The U.S. failed to block the session; tempers flared as U.S. envoy Mike Waltz faced interruptions during speeches while Cuba linked the blockade to blackouts, transport paralysis, water disruptions and food shortages. Energy Crisis: Cuba’s national grid suffered another total collapse, leaving nearly 10 million without power; restoration is slow and complicated by fuel shortages and aging infrastructure, with officials citing “micro-islands” to protect vital services. Fuel-Blockade Fallout: Reports tie the worsening power situation to U.S. pressure on fuel shipments, while Cuba’s leadership says the UNE is mobilizing to reverse the SEN collapse. Retail/Consumer Supply: Havana’s new Caracol-Supermix dollar store at the Comodoro Hotel opened with checkout malfunctions and cash-change problems, highlighting ongoing friction in hard-currency retail operations. Mining Deal Talks: Australian Antilles Gold says it’s in preliminary talks with a U.S. investor to reactivate Cuba-linked gold and copper projects, contingent on restructuring to satisfy U.S. approval.

Power Crisis: Cuba’s national grid suffered a total collapse again, leaving about 9.6–10 million people without electricity, with restoration moving slowly as crews rebuild “micro-grids” and prioritize hospitals and water systems; officials cite fuel shortages and aging infrastructure, while President Díaz-Canel and the Energy Ministry blame a U.S. fuel blockade. Restoration Logistics: By early Tuesday, power had returned to parts of Havana (over 30% of the capital, including 43 medical centers and nine water distribution installations), but diesel limits restart efforts in some eastern and Havana-area centers. UN Diplomacy: Cuba pushed for an urgent UN debate on ending the U.S. economic and energy embargo, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla saying stability remains but blackouts and shortages are worsening. Local Industry Resilience: In Holguín, VC Ivette Winery is expanding cooperative-style production contracts to secure inputs like bottles, sanitizing supplies, and syrup—aiming to protect quality despite supply constraints.