Cuba considers $100m US aid offer as energy crisis worsens

Cuba is reviewing a U.S. offer of $100 million in humanitarian aid ^[1][2] as a severe energy crisis forces widespread blackouts and closures across the island.

The offer, which the U.S. State Department said would be distributed through independent organizations ^[1], comes amid protests over worsening power cuts. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez stated the government is 'ready to hear the details of the proposal' ^[1][2], but noted uncertainty over whether the aid would be cash or in-kind ^[1][2]. He and President Miguel Díaz-Canel have urged the U.S. to lift its energy blockade instead, blaming it for the crippling fuel shortages ^[1][2]. The U.S.-imposed oil blockade has cut off Cuba's supplies from Venezuela and Mexico ^[1][2], leading to a critical lack of diesel and fuel oil that has shuttered hospitals, schools, and government offices ^[1][2]. Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed Cuba had rejected a previous aid offer, a claim Cuban officials denied ^[1][2]. The State Department said the decision to accept the assistance now rests with Havana ^[1].