Millions of inhabitants in Cuba are without power on Friday due to a widespread energy crisis. According to Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the main reason is "the lack of fuel", reports Al Jazeera.
The country's government has announced that it will close schools and non-essential industries, nightclubs, and cultural activities for three days in an attempt to tackle the energy crisis and reduce electricity consumption.
In a statement, Marrero Cruz says that the government has no other choice but to "paralyze the economy". He blames the energy shortage on maintenance problems at the country's power plants, deteriorated infrastructure, fuel shortage, and increased demand, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel blames the crisis on the US trade embargo against the country, which has made it "difficult to import fuel and other necessary resources".
