Fire Incident Halts Operations at Ecuador’s Largest Oil Refinery

A fire at Ecuador’s largest oil refinery halted production and led to local evacuations. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, though some residents sought medical help for smoke inhalation. Officials stated that the fuel supply is secure, despite the fire disrupting operations at this key facility.

A recent fire at Ecuador’s largest oil refinery has prompted the suspension of production, as authorities responded to the emergency. The fire occurred on Monday at the Esmeraldas facility, which typically manages a refining capacity of 110,000 barrels per day. In light of the blaze, state oil company Petroecuador took immediate action to secure the site, prioritizing the safety of both personnel and facilities.

Although the fire caused significant concern, the firm reported that no injuries were sustained during the incident. However, five individuals received medical attention, primarily for minor smoke inhalation. Emergency workers quickly evacuated staff from the facility, which was also cordoned off by military personnel as part of the safety measures.

Residents in proximity to the refinery were evacuated by Ecuadoran police, though authorities did not disclose specific numbers regarding the impacted population. Details regarding the fire’s cause remain unclear and investigations are likely to follow.

In a statement on social media platform X, Energy Minister Ines Manzano reassured the public that the situation was “under control.” However, this assurance did little to alleviate the anxiety within the local community. Ramiro Medina, a worker at the plant, recounted the moment of panic, stating he heard a loud noise before everyone began to flee the area.

Community representative Edgar Romero voiced the residents’ concerns, noting a troubling smell that caused confusion about its origin, initially suspected to be related to fumigation efforts at a nearby school. As Romero remarked, “We hope that the authorities will take action” regarding the situation.

Petroecuador did not disclose the fuel quantity present in the tank at the time of the fire. Ecuador is one of South America’s most significant oil producers, with heavy reliance on petroleum exports for economic stability. In 2024, the nation produced around 475,000 barrels of crude daily, selling approximately 75 percent of it, which garnered $8.6 billion in oil export revenues.

Despite external challenges, including power outages caused by the worst drought in 60 years and a significant pipeline leak in March 2023, the government remains optimistic about fuel supply continuity. Monday’s statement indicated that “the supply of fuel is completely guaranteed throughout the country,” ensuring that production disruptions may be minimized moving forward.

In summary, the fire at Ecuador’s largest oil refinery has led to the suspension of operations, triggering the evacuation of nearby residents while officials emphasize safety protocols. Despite the immediate concerns, officials assure the public that fuel supplies remain stable. The exact cause of the fire is anticipated to be investigated further. The incident underscores the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by Ecuador’s oil sector amid pressures from environmental and operational challenges.

Original Source: www.cp24.com