A fire that broke out Friday, February 13, 2026, at an oil refinery in Havana, Cuba, is now under control, according to the Cuban government. The fire occurred near two oil tankers docked in the bay and generated large flames and a black smoke column visible across the harbor, witnesses reported.
Refinery Incident
The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced via X (formerly Twitter) that the fire was contained in a warehouse at the ‘Ñico López’ refinery. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The Ñico López refinery is one of three in Cuba and has been processing both domestic heavy crude oil and imported petroleum since it was nationalized in 1960.
The incident occurred shortly after two ships from the Mexican Navy docked in the same bay on Thursday, delivering over 800 tons of humanitarian aid to the island. Cuba is currently facing a severe economic and energy crisis, exacerbated by external pressures.
Energy Crisis and Emergency Measures
The end of oil shipments from Venezuela following the change in leadership there has significantly worsened Cuba’s situation. To conserve energy, the Cuban government implemented an emergency plan on Monday that includes restrictions on fuel sales and a four-day workweek (Monday through Thursday).
Prolonged daily power outages have plagued the island since mid-2024, intensifying in recent months due to frequent breakdowns at power plants and a lack of foreign exchange to import sufficient fuel.
Cuba has experienced previous fires at petroleum facilities. In August 2022, a fire at the Matanzas supertanker base, the country’s main strategic reserve, burned for a week, requiring assistance from Mexico and Venezuela. Seventeen people lost their lives in that disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the refinery fire?
The fire at the Ñico López refinery in Havana is under control, according to the Cuban government.
What caused the fire?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Has Cuba experienced similar incidents before?
Yes, in August 2022, a major fire occurred at the Matanzas supertanker base, requiring a week to control and resulting in 17 fatalities.
As investigations proceed, it remains to be seen what impact this incident will have on Cuba’s already strained energy resources and what steps will be taken to prevent future occurrences.
