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Cienfuegos Oil Refinery

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Industrial site
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Cienfuegos Oil Refinery (Cuba)

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The 'Camilo Cienfuegos' oil refinery is located on the outskirts of Cienfuegos on Cuba's southern coast and stands as one of the country's most vital industrial assets. Originally initiated with Soviet technology in the 1980s, the plant underwent extensive renovation and was reactivated in 2007 as a joint venture between Cuba and Venezuela. The refinery primarily processes imported crude oil into gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas for both domestic consumption and regional export. Its strategic location on the Bay of Cienfuegos allows for efficient maritime delivery of raw materials via dedicated oil terminals. The facility is essential for Cuba's energy security, supplying fuel to power plants and the nation's transportation sector. In recent years, modernization efforts have focused on increasing production efficiency and improving environmental safeguards for the surrounding bay area. As a major employer, the refinery is a fundamental driver of the socioeconomic development of Cienfuegos and the surrounding region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242525272829293029282625
Rain mm131613226172628384752218

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Cienfuegos Refinery is one of the largest oil refineries in Cuba, processing crude oil into fuels and other petroleum products. It supplies a large portion of the country with gasoline, diesel, and industrial fuels, making it a strategically important facility.
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Visiting
The refinery grounds are closed to the public for security reasons, yet the facilities are clearly visible from outside, such as from surrounding roads. Visitors can observe the distinctive cooling towers and storage tanks from a distance.
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Where to view it
A suitable spot for an exterior viewing is the road running along the Cienfuegos harbor, offering a wide view of the refinery. The facility is also well visible from the nearby bay.
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Local products
The refinery mainly produces fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene for the domestic market. Additionally, heavy fuel oil, liquefied gas, and petrochemical feedstocks are also generated.
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Active season
The refinery typically operates around the clock, 365 days a year, with maintenance periods usually during the off-season. The highest utilization is reached in winter when energy demand rises.
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Nearby
A visit to Cienfuegos can ideally be combined with exploring the historic old town and the famous Tomás Terry Theatre. The nearby Cienfuegos Botanical Garden is also worth a trip.

Geography

Coordinates
22.12000, -80.46000

Facts

  • The refinery was officially reopened in December 2007 after modernization.
  • It has a processing capacity of approximately 65.000 barrels of crude per day.
  • The plant is operated as a joint venture between CUPET and PDVSA.
  • It provides critical fuel supplies for major regional thermal power plants.
  • The facility includes a deep-water terminal for crude oil offloading.
  • The refinery is a key component of the energy cooperation agreement with Venezuela.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tomás Terry TheaterTomás Terry Theater1 km · NExplore →
Cienfuegos Power PlantCienfuegos Power Plant4 km · SExplore →
Loma del CuchilloLoma del Cuchillo5 km · SWExplore →
Cienfuegos Rum DistilleryCienfuegos Rum Distillery7 km · NExplore →
Castillo de JaguaCastillo de Jagua7 km · NExplore →
CorralilloCorralillo21 km · SEExplore →
CrucesCruces22 km · NExplore →
Santo DomingoSanto Domingo26 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cienfuegos Oil Refinery (3)

Cienfuegos Yacht Club📍 landmark

Sailing club on Cienfuegos Bay, meeting point for water sports enthusiasts.

Cinco de Septiembre Stadium📍 landmark

Sports stadium in Cienfuegos, venue for baseball games.

Cienfuegos Bay📍 landmark

Large bay on Cuba's southern coast, natural harbor.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who operates the refinery?
The state company CUPET, often in cooperation.
Can the plant be visited?
No, it is a closed industrial facility.
What is produced?
Gasoline, diesel, and LPG from crude oil.
When was it built?
Originally with Soviet help in the 1980s.
What significance does it have for Cuba?
It secures a major part of the energy supply.
Cienfuegos Oil Refinery: where is it located?
Cienfuegos Oil Refinery is located in Cuba.
Cienfuegos Oil Refinery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cienfuegos Yacht Club, Cinco de Septiembre Stadium, Cienfuegos Bay.
Cienfuegos Oil Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Cienfuegos Oil Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The 'Camilo Cienfuegos' oil refinery is located on the outskirts of Cienfuegos on Cuba's southern coast and stands as one of the country's most vital industrial assets.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nature

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Aguanabo River
A river near Trinidad that flows through the Valley of the Sugar Mills and into the Caribbean Sea.
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Zaza Reservoir
The largest artificial lake in Cuba, an important center for freshwater fishing.

More places

Cienfuegos Power Plant — Cienfuegos Oil Refinery (Cuba)
Cienfuegos Power Plant
Energy production for industry.
Cienfuegos Rum Distillery — Cienfuegos Oil Refinery (Cuba)
Cienfuegos Rum Distillery
Production of local rum.
Loma del Taburete — Cienfuegos Oil Refinery (Cuba)
Loma del Taburete
A small hill in Cuba's eastern interior.
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Caburní Waterfall
An impressive waterfall in the Escambray Mountains, accessible via a hiking trail.
Pico San Juan — Cienfuegos Oil Refinery (Cuba)
Pico San Juan
A peak in the Escambray mountains of central Cuba.
Southern Escambray Mountains — Cienfuegos Oil Refinery (Cuba)
Southern Escambray Mountains
The southern part of the Escambray mountain range in central Cuba.
Loma la Vigía — Cienfuegos Oil Refinery (Cuba)
Loma la Vigía
A hill known for its lookout position in eastern Cuba.
Caguanes National Park — Cienfuegos Oil Refinery (Cuba)
Caguanes National Park
A national park protecting coastal ecosystems, caves with rock art, and mangrove forests.