Energy Crisis

Core Summary Cuba’s national power grid suffered another nationwide blackout on August 3, 2026 (Beijing Time), less than a day after power was restored. This marks the fourth nationwide blackout in Cuba this year, with citizens enduring persistent power shortages amid sweltering heat. The United States has warned American citizens in Cuba to prepare for emergencies, while Havana residents have flocked to the seaside boulevard to seek relief and sleep overnight. ...

Core Summary The Romanian government recently took emergency measures, blasting rocks in the Danube River channel to divert water to nuclear power plant cooling systems in response to an ongoing drought-induced energy crisis. Meanwhile, Hungary announced it will shut down its sole nuclear plant on Sunday for the first time due to drought. The Danube River has reached record low water levels, pushing multiple Eastern European countries to the brink of energy emergency. ...

International oil prices break through $90 per barrel, hitting a nearly two-year high. Escalating US-Iran military conflict raises concerns about Hormuz Strait shipping security and global energy supply stability.

PJM Interconnection, the largest US power grid operator, issued an emergency curtailment order on July 3 as extreme heat sweeps the Eastern US and electricity demand nears historic peaks. Multiple regions face blackout risks.

Cuba’s government said the CIA director visited Havana as the island faces its worst energy crisis in decades with widespread blackouts.

Cuba Runs Out of Diesel and Oil Cuba’s Energy Minister has officially announced that the country’s diesel and oil reserves are completely exhausted, plunging the island nation into a severe energy crisis. This development worsens Cuba’s longstanding economic challenges. The fuel shortage has triggered widespread blackouts, transportation paralysis, and agricultural disruption. The Cuban government is seeking emergency import channels, but limited foreign exchange reserves and international sanctions make a quick resolution unlikely. Daily life has been severely impacted, with hospitals and critical infrastructure under strain. ...

Modi Calls for National Austerity Amid Iran War Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to work from home and limit foreign travel as the ongoing Iran conflict continues to disrupt global energy supplies. Austerity Measures Speaking to the nation, Modi said the measures would reduce India’s fuel consumption and help conserve foreign exchange reserves. The Strait of Hormuz blockade has severely impacted India’s oil imports. India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, is heavily dependent on Middle Eastern crude. The shipping disruption has sent international oil prices soaring, putting enormous strain on the Indian economy. ...

Brent crude briefly surged above $126 a barrel, the highest since 2022. Axios reports that US Central Command has prepared plans for ‘short and powerful’ strikes on Iran as peace talks stall and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed.

International oil prices surge over 5% to $117 per barrel following reports that Trump has instructed aides to prepare for an extended Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Middle East conflict continues to drive up global fuel prices, triggering a surge in electric vehicle sales across Australia, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and beyond. Analysts say this could lead to a permanent acceleration in EV adoption in emerging markets.