Cuba's Fuel Crisis Escalates with Oil Refinery Blaze

Sun Feb 15 2026 00:55:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A fire at the Ñico López oil refinery poses new challenges as Cuba's fuel crisis worsens due to U.S. embargoes and tightening supply lines from Venezuela.

A rapid response controlled a fire at the Ñico López Refinery in Havana, Cuba, as the nation grapples with a severe fuel crisis linked to U.S. sanctions against oil shipments from Venezuela. The blaze occurred near moored oil tankers but resulted in no injuries. The underlying crisis, exacerbated by the loss of daily oil deliveries from Venezuela and strict U.S. measures, has led to significant disruptions across essential services.

Fire Under Control at Ñico López Refinery

A quick response to a fire at the Ñico López oil refinery in Havana has contained the blaze, yet the incident underscores the deepening fuel crisis Cuba is experiencing.

Thick black smoke was visible billowing from the refinery on Friday, sparking concern among local residents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and an investigation is ongoing, as announced by the country's energy ministry via X.

Impact of U.S. Sanctions and Supply Shortages

The situation comes during a severe fuel shortage that has worsened following U.S. imposition of restrictions on Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba. Previously, Venezuela supplied up to 35,000 barrels of oil per day before U.S. actions to seize oil tankers disrupted this essential supply.

As the economic pressure from the U.S. intensifies, Cuba is facing crucial gaps in fuel supplies necessary for public services, affecting hospitals and essential services.

Electricity Cuts and Humanitarian Aid

Electricity cuts have led to significant impacts on healthcare facilities, including emergency wards dependent on power for critical care. Airlines have suspended services due to a shortage of aviation fuel, prompting travel advisories from several countries, including the UK.

In a sign of international response, two Mexican ships carrying 800 tonnes of humanitarian aid arrived in Havana, underlining the urgent need for supplies amidst the ongoing crisis.

Calls for Action

UN human rights experts have characterized U.S. restrictions as extreme economic coercion, with the UN human rights chief expressing serious concerns over the deteriorating situation in Cuba.

The ongoing economic sanctions have been a point of contention for decades, affecting the daily lives of citizens seeking access to essential services and supplies.