Summary
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is returning early from a trip to attend to a large fire at the Viva Energy oil refinery in Geelong, which burned for about 13 hours and reduced petrol production. The government and fuel companies are working to increase imports to fill the supply gap, and a temporary rise in petrol prices is expected in Victoria.
Key Facts
- A major fire broke out at the Viva Energy oil refinery in Geelong late Wednesday and lasted around 13 hours.
- The fire significantly reduced the refinery's petrol production, which normally produces about 7 million liters of petrol per day.
- Prime Minister Albanese cut short his fuel diplomacy mission in Southeast Asia to return to Victoria.
- Energy Minister Chris Bowen described the fire as a setback but said petrol production will not stop and imports will replace the lost supply.
- The government secured an extra 100 million liters of diesel imports from Brunei and South Korea.
- Diesel and jet fuel production at the refinery were not affected by the fire and are expected to recover quickly.
- Petrol prices in Victoria might increase by up to 20 cents per liter due to the reduced supply and shipping delays.
- National fuel supply is not expected to be severely impacted, but local shortages and price rises in Victoria are likely.
