July 8, 2026
These images captured by NASA’s Black Marble satellite show the effect of Cuba’s fuel shortage on March 22, 2026 as the country appears plunged into darkness compared with the same date the previous year.
Tightened sanctions by the United States Government on Cuba have severely restricted the supply of oil or fuel from third countries to Cuba. No fuel imports have been recorded since December 13, according to Cuban authorities.
The shortage has triggered an energy crisis affecting electricity generation, transportation, a shortage of fundamental supplies like food and medicine and the interruption of essential logistics across the country.
The Black Marble images show the island during a nation-wide blackout, of which three were recorded in March alone. Daily power cuts have been lasting between 12–20 hours, and in some cases exceeding 48–72 hours.
Cuba’s high dependence on imported fuel makes the country’s energy system structurally vulnerable with domestic production only covering about 40% of demand, according to humanitarian group, ACAPS.
CREDITS:
NASA BLACK MARBLE
LAADS – Level-1 and Atmosphere Archive & Distribution System
