Havana refinery fire under control

France 24

by FRANCE24

February 14, 2026

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A fire broke out at the Viazul oil refinery in Havana, Cuba, one of the country’s most critical facilities, but authorities have managed to bring the situation under control. The incident occurred after a storage tank reportedly caught fire due to a technical malfunction. While no injuries were reported, the blaze caused significant disruptions to the facility and raised concerns about potential environmental impacts. The refinery is a key player in Cuba’s energy sector, providing a substantial portion of the nation’s fuel needs. The situation has prompted heightened safety inspections across other Cuban refineries to prevent similar incidents. The Viazul refinery is strategically vital for Cuba’s economy, as it processes a large share of the country’s oil resources and supports its limited foreign oil imports, particularly from Venezuela. This fire underscores the vulnerability of Cuba’s energy infrastructure, which operates under significant strain due to decades of limited investment and maintenance. The incident has also sparked discussions about the broader implications for the region’s energy security. Cuba relies heavily on imported oil, with much of it coming from Venezuela as part of a decades-long political alliance. The economic impact of this fire is expected to be felt across multiple sectors in Cuba, where fuel shortages are already a common challenge. The refinery’s downtime could exacerbate existing supply issues and further strain the country’s struggling economy. Environmental concerns have also been raised, with officials working to contain any potential spillage or pollution from the incident. The situation highlights the delicate balance between maintaining energy supplies and ensuring environmental safety in Cuba. The incident at Viazul has drawn attention not only domestically but also internationally, as it comes amid broader discussions about energy security and infrastructure resilience in the Caribbean region. Cuba’s reliance on oil and its aging infrastructure make it particularly susceptible to such disruptions. As global focus turns to sustainable energy solutions, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by nations heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

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Originally published on France 24 on 2/14/2026