Economic Reform Push: President Díaz-Canel unveiled Cuba’s “Economic and Social Program for 2026,” aiming to expand market activity, boost private participation, speed approvals for small and medium firms, shift subsidies toward vulnerable people, and give more autonomy to provinces, municipalities, and state enterprises—though many residents question whether similar promises will finally be implemented. Energy Crisis & Grid Fallout: Havana’s cooking gas tariff reportedly nearly doubled (2.50 to 4.97 pesos per cubic meter), while Santiago de Cuba residents say crews removed transformers without replacement timelines; separate reports describe transformer removals and ongoing blackouts. Power Infrastructure Sabotage: ETECSA staff allege theft and sabotage of telecom equipment in Santiago de Cuba, knocking out multiple cellular radio bases and cutting service. Humanitarian Pressure & Health Costs: The UN’s human rights chief says U.S. sanctions are contributing to child deaths in Cuba, citing shortages of essential medicines and worsening health outcomes. Currency & Inflation Strain: The informal exchange market hit new highs (USD 655 CUP; EUR 750 CUP), with inflation figures also pointing to accelerating price pressure. Food Supply Disruptions: A resident on the Isle of Youth reported buying spoiled fermented meat, linking the problem to electricity gaps that break the cold chain. Energy Sanctions Escalation: The U.S. moved to sanction CUPET, tightening obstacles for fuel imports and deepening the crisis backdrop.