Cuba in Crisis: Blackouts, Hunger as Oil Lifeline Cut

Cuba's economy is now in "freefall," according to experts, facing its worst crisis in memory. The dire situation comes just as the island's crucial supply of cheap oil from Venezuela is under threat. The nation is grappling with severe daily challenges. Widespread power outages plunge cities into darkness, hospitals face critical medicine shortages, and food prices are rising rapidly. For decades, Venezuela provided Cuba with subsidized oil in exchange for Cuban services. This lifeline is now in jeopardy following the military defeat of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro's forces, which were backed by Havana. The new government has halted the oil shipments. Without this support, Cuba lacks the funds to buy enough fuel and food on the open market. This has accelerated an economic collapse, creating unprecedented hardship for the Cuban people.