The Global Story Has Trump pushed Cuba to the brink of collapse?
Mar 31, 2026
Will Grant, BBC Central and Latin America correspondent who recently reported from Cuba, gives on-the-ground analysis of the island’s deepening energy and economic emergency. He describes blackouts, fuel shortages and strained hospitals. He explains Venezuela’s oil cutoff, a lone Russian tanker’s limits, rising public anger and protests, and who really holds power in Havana.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cuba Facing Its Worst Post‑Cold War Crisis
- Cuba is in the most acute energy and economic crisis since the end of the Cold War.
- Will Grant observed empty streets, closed petrol stations, and severely rationed fuel causing black markets where 10 litres can cost $100.
Islandwide Blackouts Are Deeply Disrupting Daily Life
- Nationwide blackouts have turned Cuban cities into near ghost towns and forced hospitals to operate in the dark.
- Will Grant described driving through a city with 'not a light on' and visiting a hospital largely in darkness during an emergency.
Fuel Blockade Targets Regime But Hits Civilians
- The US has imposed a near-total fuel blockade intended to squeeze Cuba's leadership, but it primarily hurts ordinary citizens.
- Grant called the policy 'very close to collective punishment' and said the administration sees it as justified retribution.