The perception of economic and social deterioration in Cuba has reached critical levels this March 2026. According to a recent report, eight out of ten Cubans consider the current situation to be more severe than the dreaded “Special Period” of the 1990s.

A Multi-faceted and Unprecedented Crisis

Unlike the 1990s crisis, which was primarily triggered by the fall of the Soviet bloc, the 2026 crisis is characterized by a lethal combination of factors that have brought the country to a standstill:

Extreme Energy Deficit: With a deficit nearing 2,000 MW, the Electric Union (UNE) fails to cover even 50% of the national demand, causing blackouts of over 18 hours per day.
Skyrocketing Inflation: The value of the dollar in the informal market has surpassed 510 CUP, pulverizing the purchasing power of state salaries.
Basic Service Paralysis: Fuel shortages have halted garbage collection in cities like Havana and paralyzed much of public transportation and domestic aviation.

The Psychological Factor: Beyond Scarcity

The report highlights the profound impact on the population’s morale. During the Special Period, a basic public service structure was still functional. Today, the collapse of hospitals and the lack of basic medical supplies have created a sense of total vulnerability.

“In the 90s, we faced hunger and blackouts, but we felt there was a healthcare system looking out for us. Now, if you get sick, there isn’t even aspirin,” said a Santiago de Cuba resident consulted for the study.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is it said to be worse than the Special Period?

Mainly due to the simultaneous collapse of energy, healthcare, and the currency, combined with an infrastructure that is much more decayed than it was 30 years ago.

What is the current electricity deficit?

Figures close to 2,000 MW are reported, meaning that nearly half the country remains in darkness during peak hours.

How is this affecting food supplies?

The lack of fuel and electricity has broken food distribution chains, driving prices to levels unreachable for most workers.

Which provinces are most affected?

Eastern provinces like Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Granma report the longest blackouts, although Havana is already facing critical outages.

Sources: CiberCuba, CNN en Español, Reporte Minero Chile.

How we got here

Background

The first thing we published on this topic.

Feb 10, 2026

How Cubans Are Surviving the Fuel Rationing Crisis

Neighbors unite to cook with firewood, power cuts lasting up to 18 hours, and echoes of the Special Period. Testimonies from Havana on the energy crisis.

Feb 10, 2026