Firefighters are fervently tackling a significant blaze at one of Australia’s two active oil refineries amid the country’s persistent fuel shortage.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the Viva oil refinery in Geelong following reports of the fire around 11 p.m.
Situated in the industrial area of Corio, this facility churns out 120,000 barrels daily, supplying approximately half of Victoria’s oil needs and contributing 10 percent to Australia’s overall oil supplies.
Viva has assured that, for now, there will be no immediate disruption to fuel availability.
According to Fire Rescue Victoria, the fire remains uncontrolled but is currently confined to its initial location, involving both liquid fuels and gases.
All emergency and Viva personnel have been safely accounted for, with no injuries reported.
There is currently a watch and act message for areas south of the Corio Refinery, with the public advised to shelter indoors.
Authorities warn smoke may impact an area south of Refinery Road, Corio, east of Thompsons Road/Shannon Avenue, extending down to Grovedale, Boundary Road to Reedy Lake and Moolap out to Point Henry.
Residents are being warned to close all doors and windows; turn off heating and cooling systems; lose fireplaces and vents. and avoid the area around the refinery.
Motorists should close the windows in their vehicle and turn off the air conditioning.
Specialist hazardous materials crews are currently undertaking atmospheric monitoring.
Six domestic oil refineries have closed in the last 20 years, leaving only the Ampol Lytton refinery in Brisbane and Viva Energy’s Geelong facility operational and meaning Australia imports 90 per cent of its liquid fuel needs.
It’s unclear what impact, if any, the fire may have on fuel supplies amid the ongoing crisis sparked by the war in Iran.
Viva Energy has been contacted for comment.
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