A major fire erupted on Friday at the Ñico López refinery in Havana, Cuba, casting a thick column of black smoke visible from the city's shoreline. Cuban authorities have yet to confirm the cause and extent of the incident, which started in the afternoon. The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced via social media around 4:20 PM local time that the fire originated in a warehouse and is already under control, but did not mention any injuries or fatalities.

The Ñico López refinery is one of three in Cuba, with a long history dating back to its nationalization in 1960. This facility has the capacity to process both the country's heavy crude oil and imported petroleum. The fire's occurrence is alarming given the backdrop of a significant energy crisis in the country, which has been plagued by fuel shortages and electricity outages. The government is already under pressure to manage its existing infrastructure amid these challenges.

This incident raises concerns not only for the immediate safety of those in the vicinity but also for the implications it may have on Cuba's energy supply and economic stability. With an already strained energy sector, any disruption at the Ñico López refinery could exacerbate the current crisis, calling for urgent attention from Cuban authorities to assess the situation and prevent further emergencies in the future.