Petroecuador, Ecuador’s state-owned oil company, announced a 60-day emergency at the Esmeraldas refinery, the country’s largest, on Thursday, following a fire that damaged several fuel tanks earlier this week. This marks the second emergency declaration for the facility within a month, as the company continues to address operational challenges.

The logo of Ecuador's state oil company Petroecuador is pictured, in Quito, Ecuador June 21, 2024.

In late April, Petroecuador had already declared a 60-day emergency at the same refinery, located in northern Ecuador, after a magnitude 6.3 earthquake caused structural damage. The latest incident, a fire reported at the facility, has further disrupted operations, prompting the company to take immediate action to ensure safety and assess the extent of the damage.

The Esmeraldas refinery plays a critical role in Ecuador’s fuel production, supporting the country’s domestic consumption needs. Petroecuador is working to stabilize operations and minimize disruptions to fuel supply. The company has not released specific details about the fire’s cause or the full scope of the damage but is prioritizing repairs to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

Officials at Petroecuador stated: “We are fully committed to addressing the challenges at the Esmeraldas refinery and ensuring the safety of our operations.” The company is coordinating with local authorities and technical teams to investigate the incident and implement necessary measures.

Ecuador relies heavily on the Esmeraldas refinery for its fuel needs, making the swift resolution of these issues a priority. Petroecuador has assured the public that it is taking all steps to maintain fuel availability while adhering to strict safety protocols. The company’s response reflects its commitment to maintaining stability in the nation’s energy sector despite recent setbacks.