Millions in Cuba remain without power as Hurricane Oscar makes landfall

HAVANA — Millions remained without power in Cuba for a third consecutive day as slow progress is made in restoring electricity following multiple major grid failures.

Power is expected to be restored to everyone on the island by Tuesday, the minister of energy and mines, Vicente de la O Levi, told reporters at a news conference Sunday. The announcement, however, came before the Energy and Mines Ministry reported a fourth grid failure.

Levi warned that even with the power restored, "we will continue to have blackouts because we continue with the lack of fuel." He said the government is "in conversations" to acquire fuel.

Hurricane Oscar, a Category 1 storm, made landfall on eastern Cuba's northern coast Sunday evening with sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm could put an end to the power recovery efforts if it affects the plants in its path.

Levi blamed the U.S.' "brutal blockade" for the financial difficulties in acquiring fuel and spare parts for Cuba's power plants, as well as for the current electric power crisis. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other top leaders have also blamed the U.S. embargo on Cuba.

Cuba's electric grid collapsed Friday morning, plunging the entire population of 10 million into darkness. As technicians slowly made progress with repairs, a second grid collapse occurred early Saturday, followed by another one late Saturday, as well as the collapse Sunday.

Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela and Russia have offered help, according to Levi, and Cuba remains in communication with their governments.

"The Cuban government has not requested assistance at this time," a U.S. State Department spokesperson told NBC News in an emailed statement.

"The Unites States obviously is not to blame for today's blackout on the