Firefighters battling ‘significant’ blaze at one of Australia’s two oil refineries

Victorian firefighters are battling a “significant” blaze that broke out at one of Australia’s two operational oil refineries.

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) said the fire at Viva Energy’s refinery in Geelong started about 11pm on Wednesday.

FRV said it responded to multiple calls reporting explosions.

An advice message on the VicEmergency website on Thursday morning said firefighters were still battling the blaze but there was no threat to the public.

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The extent of the damage to the refinery remains unclear.

According to the company’s website, the refinery can process up to 120,000 barrels of oil a day and supplies 10 per cent of Australia’s fuel.

It is one of two operating refineries in Australia, with the other in Lytton, Queensland.

Australia has faced fuel security concerns since Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz after it was struck by the United States and Israel.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last month announced the excise on ‌fuel and diesel would be halved in response to surging prices.

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