A raging fire at a Cuban oil facility worsens the island's energy crisis
NPR Online NewsDec 26, 2022
Cuba: Oil Facility Fire Under Control After Five Days
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Image copyright: Local News X/TMX [via Fox News]
The Facts
After five days, a major blaze in Matanzas, Cuba's largest port for crude oil and fuel imports, was brought under control on Tuesday.
The fire, described as the worst in Cuba's history, began last Fri. when lightning struck the Matanzas Supertanker Base. It then spread to several fuel storage tanks over the past few days.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Crucial aid efforts to relieve the energy crisis in Cuba, worsened following the destruction to a key part of the nation's infrastructure, have been blocked by US sanctions. Outdated restrictions on the island - which has long been deemed a "State Sponsor of Terrorism" according to the American government - are blocking humanitarian aid and must be removed by the Biden administration.
Pro-establishment narrative
Only the Cuban government is to blame for the socio-political and economic crises faced by the country. The US, along with Latin American and European countries, has donated millions of dollars and humanitarian resources to improve conditions in Cuba. However, rather than distributing this aid, Cuba's communist government continues to enrich itself.
