By Mircely Guanipa and Tibisay Romero
A fire at a crude storage tank in Venezuela’s La Salina oil terminal has left at least 18 people injured, including workers, neighbors, and firefighters, according to sources familiar with the facility’s operations. The incident occurred during a storm and continued to rage throughout the day at the state oil company PDVSA-operated facility near Cabimas.
Firefighters are working to control the blaze and suffocate the flames, which have produced a tall plume of black smoke visible in videos obtained by Reuters. An explosion was also reported by neighbors, prompting the use of foam to extinguish the oil-related fire.
Despite the incident, the nearby Bajo Grande terminal, utilized by PDVSA and U.S. producer Chevron for crude and fuel exports, remains unaffected. The situation is being closely monitored, with no official statement yet released by PDVSA.
Analysis and Impact:
The fire at Venezuela’s La Salina oil terminal highlights the inherent risks and dangers associated with oil storage and transportation facilities. The injuries sustained by workers, neighbors, and firefighters serve as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols and emergency response measures in such environments.
For investors, this incident may raise concerns about the stability and reliability of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, impacting the country’s oil production and export capabilities. Furthermore, disruptions in operations at PDVSA facilities could have ripple effects on global oil markets, potentially influencing prices and supply dynamics.
Overall, the La Salina oil terminal fire serves as a cautionary tale for stakeholders in the energy sector, underscoring the need for robust risk management strategies and contingency plans to mitigate the impact of unforeseen events on both human lives and financial interests.