Fire at Havana oil refinery as Cuba’s fuel crisis deepens
Al Jazeera
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A fire broke out at the Nico Lopez oil refinery in Havana, Cuba, amid an escalating fuel crisis exacerbated by US-imposed sanctions. Although the fire was contained without injuries and did not spread to surrounding areas, it raises concerns over the already strained energy situation in the country. The incident occurred as Cuba grapples with severe economic challenges, including power outages, transportation disruptions, and reduced public services due to a lack of fuel.
Cuba heavily relies on oil imports, particularly from Venezuela, which has been significantly curtailed following recent US actions against Nicolas Maduro's government. US President Donald Trump has also implemented executive orders imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, further tightening the embargo. This has left the nation struggling to meet its fuel requirements, as it can only produce about one-third of what it needs domestically.
The situation is dire, with widespread power outages affecting daily life. Transportation services have been reduced, schools and universities are operating under restrictions, and public sector workers are on a shortened workweek. The lack of fuel also impacts healthcare and food production, threatening the country's stability. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of a potential humanitarian collapse if Cuba's energy needs remain unmet.
Amid this crisis, Mexico sent humanitarian aid to Havana, highlighting the growing international attention on Cuba's plight. However, experts report that no foreign oil tankers have arrived in weeks, underscoring the severity of the fuel shortage. Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos de Cossio has criticized US policies as "massive punishment" against the Cuban people, emphasizing how the lack of fuel affects essential services and livelihoods.
The fire at the Nico Lopez refinery adds another layer of urgency to an already critical situation. As international observers warn of a humanitarian crisis, the global community watches closely for any signs of resolution or further escalation in US-Cuba tensions. The incident underscores the far-reaching impact of economic sanctions on daily life and infrastructure in Cuba.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026