Explosive Fire Erupts at Viva Energy's Geelong Oil Refinery
An explosive fire has broken out at the Viva Energy oil refinery in Corio, Geelong, raising significant concerns about petrol supplies across Victoria and Australia. The blaze, which ignited just after 11pm on Wednesday, comes amid an ongoing fuel supply crisis exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East. Fire Rescue Victoria responded to multiple emergency calls reporting explosions and flames, deploying approximately 50 firefighters, 10 fire trucks, and a boat to the scene.
Fire Details and Emergency Response
Michael McGuinness, assistant chief fire officer at Fire Rescue Victoria, described the initial blaze as "quite ferocious," with several explosions escalating it into a large, intense fire. The fire was primarily fueled by hydrocarbon substances, including liquid petrol, gas, and vapours. Michelle Cowling, FRV deputy commissioner, indicated that the likely cause was a small leak from faulty valves in mechanical equipment, which ignited a significant plume of LNG due to multiple ignition sources in the area.
Due to the extreme heat and size of the affected tower, firefighters faced challenges accessing the site. The fire was extinguished around midday on Thursday, approximately 13 hours after it started. While diesel and petrol production continues, it has been reduced for safety reasons, with firefighters remaining on-site to monitor operations alongside Viva Energy and partner agencies.
Health and Environmental Impacts
Initially, a watch and act alert urged local residents to shelter indoors, but this was downgraded to an advice message by 5.30am. Smoke has dissipated, but residents are still advised to keep windows and doors closed. Fire Rescue Victoria confirmed no contaminants were spread by the blaze, and Victorian health minister Harriet Shing reported no known health risks or injuries, with all employees and emergency responders accounted for.
The Victorian Environmental Protection Authority has rated air quality in Corio and Geelong as good, with minimal impact on water quality. However, residents are cautioned to avoid contact with Corio Bay as a precautionary measure.
Fuel Supply and Economic Implications
Scott Wyatt, CEO of Viva Energy, stated that the fire affected the petrol area of the plant, naturally impacting petrol products. Bill Patterson, executive general manager, explained that the damaged section combines LPG into gasoline molecules used in fuel blending. Federal energy minister Chris Bowen noted that petrol, diesel, and jet fuel production continues at reduced levels, but petrol output may be impacted for some time.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Viva Energy secured two new diesel shipments totalling 100 million litres with federal government support. Victorian energy minister Lily D'Ambrosio assured that there is no immediate impact on fuel supply, but the refinery supplies about 50% of Victoria's fuel and 10% of Australia's total, producing over 120,000 barrels of oil daily.
As one of only two remaining refineries in Australia—the other being Ampol's Lytton refinery in Brisbane—the Corio facility employs over 1,100 people and relies on government support. Trading in Viva Energy shares has been suspended pending an announcement on the fire's impact. Analyst Gero Farruggio warned that the government may need to escalate to stage 3 fuel restrictions, while Joy Toose of Environment Victoria cited ageing infrastructure as a factor, advocating for a faster transition to renewable energy.
