Summary
A major fire broke out at Australia’s largest oil refinery in Geelong, Victoria, temporarily disrupting fuel production during a time of tight global supply caused by the war in Iran. The blaze was controlled by firefighters, and the Australian government secured extra diesel supplies from Brunei and South Korea to ease potential shortages.
Key Facts
- The fire started Wednesday night at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery, which processes about 120,000 barrels of oil per day.
- Flames reached 60 meters (200 feet) after a gas leak ignited, causing a severe fire.
- This refinery produces around 10% of Australia’s fuel and is one of only two operating refineries in the country.
- Australia imports about 80% of its fuel and currently faces supply challenges due to the Iran war disrupting global oil shipments.
- The refinery is old, dating back to the 1950s, and had been operating at full capacity due to the global oil crisis.
- The fire destroyed the section producing high-octane petrol but spared parts making jet fuel and diesel.
- The government obtained an additional 100 million liters of diesel from Brunei and South Korea to help with supply.
- Officials advised people not to panic-buy fuel and suggested conserving petrol and using public transport.
