One of Cuba’s key oil refineries was engulfed in flames on Friday, worsening an already crippling oil crisis.
Videos posted on social media showed massive plumes of black smoke rising from Havana Harbor’s Ñico López oil refinery on Friday. The fire began in a warehouse storing oil products, but was soon contained by firefighters.
“A fire that broke out this afternoon in one of the warehouses at the Nico Lopes oil refinery has been brought under control. The cause is being determined,” Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines said on X.
U.S. attention in Latin America has shifted to Cuba after the operation in January to capture former Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. Havana was an irreplaceable ally of Maduro, and vice versa, with Cuba providing Caracas with valuable intelligence and security personnel. Cuba became fully reliant on Venezuelan oil, which helped prop up its economy after the Soviet Union’s vital aid ceased with its collapse.
MEXICO FACES WEIGHTY DECISION OVER TRUMP ULTIMATUM ON SHIPPING OIL TO CUBA
President Donald Trump has cut off Cuba’s Venezuelan oil lifeline, to the estimated tune of around 35,000 barrels of oil a day, leaving Havana in the grips of an unprecedented energy crisis. Blackouts have consumed the country in recent weeks, including in Havana. Several airlines have suspended flights to the island due to a critical shortage of aviation fuel.
The few countries that retain trade relations with Cuba, such as Mexico, are weighing whether to cease trade over an ultimatum from Trump. Trump, meanwhile, has floated military operations against Cuba, possibly after his focus shifts away from Iran.
