Firefighters have responded to a “significant” fire at Viva Energy Group’s Geelong refinery, according to local fire authorities.
The extent of the damage was not immediately clear. The blaze was reported at around 11pm on Wednesday, Fire Rescue Victoria said in a statement, adding it was not yet under control, but all staff had been accounted for.
The dispatch to the refinery in Corio in Victoria came after multiple calls reporting explosions and flames, it said.
Footage of the Geelong oil refinery on fire. Nine News
The refinery can process up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, according to the company’s website. It is one of two refineries remaining in Australia and employs over 1100 people, supplying over 50 per cent of Victoria’s and 10 per cent of Australia’s fuel, the website said.
Australia has faced fuel security concerns since Iran all but closed the Strait of Hormuz after being attacked by the US and Israel. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said last month the government would halve the excise on fuel and diesel and remove the heavy road user charge for three months to help households cope with a surge in costs driven by the Iran war.
Reuters