Micah Jonah, February 14, 2026
A fire has broken out at the Nico Lopez oil refinery in Havana, compounding Cuba’s worsening fuel crisis linked to restrictions imposed by the United States.
Thick black smoke was seen rising over Havana Bay on Friday as firefighters battled to contain the blaze at the key fuel processing facility.
Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed that the fire started in a warehouse section of the refinery and was later extinguished. The ministry stated that no casualties were recorded and that the cause of the incident is under investigation.
Authorities also assured residents that operations at the refinery have resumed and that the fire did not spread to surrounding areas, including sections of the harbour where oil tankers were docked.
The incident comes at a time when Cuba is grappling with a severe fuel shortage. The country has struggled with reduced oil imports, particularly from Venezuela, following recent geopolitical tensions involving Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and Washington.
US President, Donald Trump has recently signed an executive order imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, further tightening restrictions on the island’s energy supply.
The fuel crisis has triggered widespread power outages across the country. Public transportation services have been cut back, some hotels have shut down, schools and universities have reduced activities, and public sector workers are now operating a four-day work week. Hospitals have also reportedly scaled down staffing due to energy shortages.
Last week, United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres warned of a possible humanitarian collapse if Cuba’s energy challenges persist.
Meanwhile, two Mexican navy vessels carrying humanitarian supplies recently arrived in Havana, highlighting growing international concern over the situation.
Cuban authorities have accused the US of imposing what they described as punitive measures that are worsening living conditions for ordinary citizens.
Experts say unless fuel imports resume in the coming weeks, the island nation may face further economic and humanitarian strain.
