On February 13, 2026, a significant fire erupted at the Ñico López refinery in Havana, which sent a thick column of black smoke into the sky that was visible from the surrounding coastal areas. The local authorities have not yet disclosed the cause or extent of the fire, which occurred in the afternoon. The Ministry of Energy and Mines later reported on social media that the blaze began in a storage area of the refinery but reassured the public that the situation was under control and did not mention any casualties or injuries.

The Ñico López refinery is one of Cuba's three operational refineries, and it has been described as an old energy facility that has struggled to meet the country's energy demands amidst crises. The current fire raises questions about the safety protocols in place, especially considering the critical role this infrastructure plays in an already struggling energy landscape in Cuba. With ongoing fuel shortages and other energy-related challenges, the implications of this incident could be substantial, potentially exacerbating the already dire situation.

Authorities are launching an investigation into the causes of the fire, and further updates are expected as they gather more information. The occurrence of such an event during a significant energy crisis in Cuba not only highlights the vulnerabilities of the country's energy infrastructure but also underlines the urgency for improvements in safety and reliability to avoid similar incidents in the future.