Havana, February 14, 2026 – The Europe Today: A major fire broke out on Friday at the Ñico López oil refinery in Havana, Cuba’s capital, but authorities quickly brought the blaze under control as the island nation grapples with an escalating fuel crisis, officials and media reported.
Thick black smoke was seen rising from one of Cuba’s key fuel processing facilities, located on Havana Bay near where two oil tankers were moored at the time of the incident. Emergency crews moved swiftly to contain the fire, and no injuries have been reported so far, according to Cuba’s Energy Ministry in a post on social media platform X. An official investigation into the cause of the blaze has been launched.
The fire occurred against the backdrop of a worsening fuel shortage that has strained infrastructure and public services across the Caribbean island. Cuba’s oil supply has been severely disrupted after the United States intensified measures to cut off petroleum shipments from Venezuela, its long-standing energy partner.
The energy crunch has left Cuba struggling to maintain adequate fuel reserves for electricity generation, transportation and essential services. The shortage has prompted widespread blackouts, constrained hospital operations and limited fuel for aviation, leading some international carriers to suspend flights and reroute others to refuel abroad.
In response to dwindling energy supplies, Cuban authorities have introduced fuel rationing and implemented restrictions on public services to conserve limited reserves. The severe shortfalls have also raised humanitarian concerns, with the United Nations warning of broader impacts on food distribution, water supplies and healthcare access if the crisis continues to deepen.
Mexican ships carrying around 800 tonnes of humanitarian aid recently arrived in Havana Bay to help alleviate shortages of essentials, but fuel remains scarce, complicating relief efforts.
As investigators work to determine the cause of Friday’s refinery fire, authorities are seeking to ensure that the incident does not further undermine Cuba’s already fragile energy situation. Emergency crews remain vigilant, and government officials have reiterated their commitment to keeping vital infrastructure operational amid ongoing supply pressures.
