Key Points
- A major fire broke out in a fuel tank at Ecuador’s largest oil refinery on Monday.
- Operations at the Esmeraldas refinery were immediately suspended for safety.
- No fatalities reported, but five people were treated for minor smoke inhalation.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire near the Colombia border.
- Energy Minister says fire is under control and national emergency response is activated.
A fierce fire broke out Monday at Ecuador’s largest oil refinery, located in the coastal province of Esmeraldas, forcing an emergency shutdown of operations and triggering evacuations of nearby communities. The blaze, which erupted in one of the refinery’s fuel tanks, sent thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky and caused panic among local workers and residents.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), no fatalities were reported, but five individuals were treated for minor smoke inhalation. The government-run oil company PetroEcuador confirmed that refining operations have been suspended to ensure worker safety.
Military and Emergency Response Deployed
The site was quickly secured by refinery personnel and Ecuadorian soldiers as smoke engulfed the area. Workers were evacuated from the plant, and surrounding residents were relocated to safety as a precautionary measure.
An AFP reporter at the scene confirmed the plant was surrounded by armed forces and emergency responders while firefighting operations were underway. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Energy Minister: Situation Under Control, National Response Activated
Energy Minister Inés Manzano addressed the nation on X (formerly Twitter), posting the following message to reassure the public:
Despite official reassurances, public anxiety remains high in nearby communities, especially given the scale of the refinery’s operations and its proximity to the Colombia border.
Economic Stakes for Ecuador
The Esmeraldas facility is a key piece of Ecuador’s energy infrastructure, refining approximately 110,000 barrels of oil per day. The country, one of South America’s leading oil producers, depends heavily on petroleum exports for national revenue.
In 2024, Ecuador produced about 475,000 barrels of crude oil daily, exporting nearly three-quarters of that volume. Oil exports contributed approximately $8.6 billion USD to the economy last year, according to government statistics.
Investigation Underway
As of Tuesday morning, PetroEcuador had not disclosed how much fuel was stored in the tank that caught fire. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, including potential structural failures and safety protocol reviews.
In the meantime, operations at the refinery remain suspended until further notice.
With inputs from AFP and local Ecuadorian media.
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