School closures and telecommuting orders due to power shortages in Cuba...Government acknowledges "fuel shortage"

Cuba, which suffers from chronic power shortages, has ordered schools and non-essential businesses to close and work from home to prevent a nationwide blackout.

The Cuban government says it will implement measures such as closing schools, working from home for government officials and disconnecting empty offices as an emergency measure to save electricity.

Various cultural facilities, including theaters and clubs, have also been closed.

Currently, power outages are continuing in Cuba throughout the country, including the capital, Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Kamagwei.

"Many areas outside the capital, Havana, have less than six hours of power a day," the Associated Press said.

The Associated Press analyzed data from Venezuela, Cuba's largest oil importer, and reported that by September this year, average fuel shipments to Cuba had halved from the same period last year.