The severe energy crisis combined with fuel shortages on the Island continues to produce astonishing scenes in the 21st century, such as a mother who had to cook with wood in the middle of a busy street in Holguín.
A video shared on social media shows the woman monitoring a pressure cooker set over a wood fire, preparing some food. "A Cuban mother opts to cook her meals right in the street in front of everyone; not even the Stone Age compares to what we're experiencing now in our Island held hostage by the dictatorship," said the Café con Chícharo account on X.
However, these scenes are not unusual in a country where crisis and scarcity are constants in daily life.
Recurring Scenes of Improvised Cooking
In 2022, during another critical peak of the energy situation, a Cuban woman "proudly" showcased her improvised cooking setup on Facebook, where she prepared food for her family. "How Cubans cook, without electricity and under the rain," she posted, along with several photos of her makeshift kitchen. She also mentioned that she "feels happy."
In the images, the woman displays an improvised stove made of two blocks and wood, protected from the rain with an umbrella and banana leaves.
That same year, another Cuban mother denounced the conditions she faced while cooking food for her triplets in the midst of prolonged blackouts on the Island. "Resisting, this misery is continuity. Mother of triplets," she said bluntly on Facebook. Along with her post, the woman, residing in Santiago de Cuba, shared four photos where she is seen cooking on an improvised wood stove under a building.
Promises Amid Persistent Challenges
Two years later, these images repeat themselves in a country submerged in the optimistic promises of its leaders that improvement is on the horizon. However, what the Cuban people feared since the blackouts intensified has recently been confirmed by the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel: there are no guarantees that the summer months will pass without disruptions in the electrical service.
Díaz-Canel reiterated what the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) announced days ago, that power cuts will increase this month and the next due to the rise in maintenance work at thermoelectric plants, aiming to ensure service in July and August.
"We are going to have prolonged maintenance until June to minimize the inconvenience of blackouts in the summer, especially in July and August," he noted.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Energy Crisis
Due to the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba, many questions arise regarding the current situation and its impact on daily life. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is primarily caused by a combination of outdated infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and fuel shortages, exacerbated by economic sanctions.
How are Cubans coping with the power shortages?
Cubans are coping with power shortages by improvising cooking methods, such as using wood stoves, and finding alternative ways to manage daily tasks without electricity.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the issue?
The Cuban government has announced prolonged maintenance of thermoelectric plants to try to ensure stable electricity service during the summer months, but there are no guarantees.