A fire at Ecuador’s largest oil refinery in Esmeraldas province forced an immediate halt to production on Monday and the evacuation of workers and nearby residents.

The refinery, operated by Petroecuador, can process up to 110,000 barrels of crude per day.State oil company Petroecuador said operations were suspended “to safeguard the security of the facilities and personnel.”

While no serious injuries were reported, five people received medical attention for minor smoke inhalation effects.An AFP journalist at the scene observed the evacuation, with soldiers and refinery staff cordoning off the site.

Ecuadoran police also evacuated local residents, though the exact number remains unspecified.Energy Minister Ines Manzano wrote on X that the situation was “under control,” but concerns remain high. Ramiro Medina, a refinery worker, recalled hearing “a loud noise” before everyone started running.

Community representative Edgar Romero said, “What is happening now is quite worrying. We smelled something and thought it was coming from the Jaime Hurtado school, which was being fumigated today… but then we smelled gasoline… We hope that the authorities will take action.”

Despite the disruption, the government assured that “the supply of fuel is completely guaranteed throughout the country.”Ecuador, a major South American oil producer, depends heavily on petroleum exports, which generated $8.6 billion in 2024.

The country has two additional refineries with smaller capacities, but the fire at its largest plant adds pressure to an industry already facing challenges from recent droughts and pipeline leaks.