VENEZUELA – Major Explosion Sparks Fire at Venezuelan Oil Facility
A major fire broke out at the Petrocedeno oil-upgrading complex in Venezuela’s northeastern Anzoátegui state on 20 November after a powerful explosion was reported. Witnesses and local media said a loud blast occurred moments before flames spread across the facility, which sits along the country’s oil-producing Orinoco Belt.
Incident Details
Information about the exact cause remains limited, but early reports suggest the explosion may have originated near the upgrader’s distillation tower. The fire then reportedly extended to a nearby naphtha unit. Footage shared on social media showed large flames and emergency vehicles rushing to the scene.
Facility Importance
Petrocedeno is one of several key upgraders responsible for converting Venezuela’s heavy crude into lighter, export-ready oil products. These facilities are critical to the country’s ability to sell its crude on the global market.
Emergency Response
State oil company PDVSA, which operates the complex, stated that no injuries were recorded and that the blaze was brought under control within hours. The company said its emergency teams, along with Anzoátegui State Control Agencies, were deployed immediately and followed established industrial safety procedures.
Investigation and Political Context
PDVSA announced that an investigative committee has been created to identify the cause of the incident and to rule out the possibility of sabotage. Venezuelan officials have previously labeled similar industrial accidents as acts of “terrorism” or deliberate interference, though critics argue that aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, and chronic underinvestment are more plausible explanations. According to PDVSA, the event is not expected to interfere with Venezuela’s ongoing oil production activities.
Photo credit: Caliber. All rights reserved.