This past Sunday, a blaze erupted in a home on San Mariano Street in the Lawton neighborhood, part of Havana's 10 de Octubre municipality, raising alarms due to the suspected illegal storage of fuel within the property.
The fire broke out around 2:30 PM and was captured by the citizen platform NiO Reporting a Crime, which shared videos showing a massive column of black smoke and bright orange flames, alongside at least one fire truck responding at the scene.
What alarmed the residents the most was a statement captured in one of the videos: a woman claimed that the house contained 200 liters of gasoline. According to accounts received by the platform, the property was "allegedly used for the irregular storage of fuel, particularly gasoline."
The blaze endangered not just the affected residence but also neighboring homes and the lives of local residents. Preliminary reports indicated no injuries were sustained. However, the exact cause of the fire and the conditions under which the fuel was stored remain unconfirmed by officials.
Widespread Concerns Over Fuel Storage Practices
The platform has been receiving similar complaints from various parts of the country: "There are houses and other properties allegedly being used to store large quantities of gasoline and other fuels linked to distribution and sales activities, including operations related to private enterprises (mipymes)." Complainants also suggest that "authorities are aware of certain situations but fail to take necessary actions," although these claims lack independent verification.
The incident was corroborated on social media by the Municipal Assembly of People's Power of 10 de Octubre, which clarified that the affected house was situated on San Mariano Street between Buenaventura and San Lázaro, involving two homes, but thankfully, no human lives were lost.
Recent History of Fuel-Related Incidents
This incident comes just five days after the Cuban Fire Department issued a national alert about the dangers of storing fuel in plastic containers, prompted by a fire at the Azutecnia T-22 Workshop in Manzanillo, Granma, on October 11, which injured five individuals, two critically.
Throughout 2026, the practice of clandestine domestic fuel storage has become more common, driven by the ongoing energy crisis. In August, an explosion at a home in Arroyo Naranjo was also linked to potential illegal fuel storage. On October 4, police in Regla seized nearly 700 liters of gasoline in Havana, distributed across 28 containers of 25 liters each. Additionally, in February, police operations in Santiago de Cuba targeted private homes for a suspected network of gasoline resale.
The rise in clandestine fuel storage is partly connected to the Cuban government's authorization in February 2026 for private enterprises and non-state entities to import and sell fuels, a move that led to both a formal private market and a proliferation of informal sales and storage sites lacking safety measures.
FAQs About Fuel Storage Concerns in Cuba
Why is illegal fuel storage a growing problem in Cuba?
Illegal fuel storage is increasing due to the country's ongoing energy crisis and the government's recent policy allowing private enterprises to import and sell fuels, leading to both formal and informal markets.
What are the dangers of storing fuel in residential areas?
Storing fuel in residential areas poses significant risks, including potential fires, explosions, and threats to both human life and property.
How are authorities responding to these illegal storage practices?
While there are reports of police raids and seizures, some residents claim that authorities are aware of these practices but are not taking sufficient action to address the issue.