This the latest in a series of widespread power outages to hit the country, whose chronic fuel shortages have been exacerbated by a recent US blockade on oil shipments to the island. Cuba, an island of around 10 million, has battled widespread blackouts in recent years - a persistent source of public discontent that has triggered rare protests. Cuba relies heavily on imported fuel, and Venezuela was believed to have sent around 35,000 barrels of oil a day to Cuba - accounting for about half of the island's oil needs. " He previously threatened a "friendly takeover" of the country, a long-time foe of the US since communist leader Fidel Castro overthrew a US-backed government in Cuba in 1959. Widespread power outages - caused by the fuel shortages and faults in its power grid - have triggered protests among Cubans in recent years. Last week, a Communist Party building in the city of Moron was stormed by protesters after a rally over steep food prices and persistent power cuts.