CUBA – Fire breaks out at Havana refinery

A fire broke out at the Ñico López refinery, a key fuel-processing facility in Havana. The incident raised fears it could further weaken the country’s already fragile fuel supply.

On Friday 13, thick smoke was seen rising over Havana Bay from the refinery, drawing attention from residents across the capital. Emergency crews later brought the fire under control, and the smoke gradually cleared.

Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines said the blaze began in a storage warehouse at the refinery and was later extinguished. Officials reported no injuries and confirmed the fire did not spread to nearby areas. Authorities said the cause remains under investigation and later stated that refinery operations had returned to normal.

The fire occurred close to an area where two oil tankers were docked in Havana’s harbour.

Fuel shortages have already caused widespread disruption across the country. Power cuts have become common, while public transportation services such as buses and trains have been reduced. Some hotels have closed temporarily, schools and universities have limited their activities, and many public sector employees have moved to a four-day work week. Hospitals have also reduced staffing levels.

The United Nations has warned that Cuba could face a humanitarian collapse if the country cannot secure enough fuel to meet its energy demands.

Photo credit: AFP. All rights reserved.