A huge fire burned for a third day in two fuel storage tanks at Venezuela's biggest refinery on Monday, putting in doubt plans to quickly restart the facility after one of the worst accidents to hit the global oil industry in decades, Reuters reported. The fire and the threat that Tropical Storm Isaac could disrupt refinery operations on the U.S. Gulf Coast and tighten fuel supplies helped push up U.S. fuel prices, with gasoline futures up about 3.15 percent at more than $3.17 a gallon. A thick column of smoke blackened the horizon above Amuay refinery as the tanks continued to burn. The effects of the blast were evident from flattened houses and piles of rubble in the surrounding area. Officials said that if they fail to extinguish the blaze with foam, they will let it burn out by itself, which could take two or three days. Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez told Reuters by telephone from the scene that fire crews had worked through the night and were continuing their efforts on Monday. A gas leak caused an explosion and then a fire before dawn on Saturday at Amuay, part of the world's second biggest refinery complex. Nearby homes were obliterated, at least 48 people killed and dozens more wounded. -- SPA
