A massive fire at one of Australia's two remaining oil refineries burned for 13 hours before being extinguished, raising concerns over petrol supplies in a country already grappling with energy security issues. The blaze broke out just after 11pm on Wednesday at Viva Energy's Corio facility in Geelong, about 75km south-west of Melbourne, after multiple reports of explosions and flames.
Fire Rescue Victoria said the fire was contained to the Mogas section, where motor gasoline is produced, covering an area roughly 30m by 30m. Deputy commissioner Michelle Cowling indicated the cause appeared to be equipment failure, likely a leak or valve malfunction. No injuries were reported.
The refinery supplies about half of Victoria's fuel and 10 per cent of the nation's total, processing approximately 120,000 barrels of oil per day. Viva Energy chief executive Scott Wyatt confirmed that petrol products had been affected and production would not resume until it was safe. Federal energy minister Chris Bowen said diesel and jet fuel production continued at reduced levels, but petrol production 'may be impacted for some time'.
Experts warned the fire adds pressure to an already stretched system. Professor Hussein Dia from Swinburne University noted that any disruption to domestic refining capacity narrows the buffer to absorb shocks. Professor Sajid Anwar from the University of the Sunshine Coast highlighted that coupled with the cancellation of six oil tankers scheduled for April delivery, the fire represents a critical stress test for Australia's energy resilience, potentially keeping interest rates higher for longer.
Residents near the site were advised to shelter indoors during the blaze, with a watch-and-act alert issued before being downgraded by 5.30am. Authorities reported no contaminants in air or water testing. Victoria's premier Jacinta Allan said it was 'too soon' to know the full impact, while state energy minister Lily D'Ambrosio stated there would be 'no immediate impact on fuel supply'.
