The explosion occurred near the main distillation column. Authorities have not announced the number of casualties, and state oil company PDVSA has not disclosed the extent of damage or production disruption. The plant processes heavy crude oil for export and is critical to Venezuela’s economy, Reuters and other Western media reported.
Footage from local media showed flames engulfing the warehouse area as firefighters worked late into the night to extinguish the fire. The incident occurred days after a deadly gas explosion at the Maskar complex on November 13 that killed eight workers and reduced fuel supplies by 60%.
The disaster unfolded against the backdrop of rising tensions between Washington and Caracas under President Trump’s second term. Since August, the United States has authorized military strikes against Latin American drug cartels near Venezuelan waters and has deployed an unprecedented naval presence in the Caribbean, a move Venezuelan officials have called “psychological warfare” aimed at putting pressure on President Nicolás Maduro.
Relations deteriorated further after Maduro’s re-election in July became an issue, with President Trump alleging fraud and hinting at possible interference.
Venezuela is reportedly seeking Russian support for its missile and radar systems, even as quiet negotiations continue over a possible sanctions-targeted oil bailout deal.
MNA