An explosion caused by a gas leak at Venezuela's biggest oil refinery in Amuay Saturday morning killed at least seven people and injured 48 others.

"There was a gas leak. A cloud of gas exploded ... it was a significant explosion, there are appreciable damages to infrastructure and houses opposite the refinery," Venezuela's Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez was quoted as saying by the state TV.

The explosion caused damages to the refinery and nearby houses, Reuters reported Falcon state Governor Stella Lugo as saying.

She said rescue workers were at the scene and the fire was under control. The injured were being evacuated from the area.

The governor ruled out the possibility of another blast.

Amuay factory, operated by state-owned PDVSA and situated in the northern part of the country, has a capacity of 645,000 barrels per day.