Summary
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that a big fire at the Viva Energy refinery in Geelong caused petrol production to drop by 40%. However, he confirmed the fire will not lead to fuel restrictions, and most diesel and aviation fuel production continues. The refinery normally processes 120,000 barrels of oil daily, and the company plans to cover lost fuel by increasing imports.
Key Facts
- A fire burned for 13 hours at the Viva Energy refinery in Geelong, Victoria.
- Petrol production dropped to about 60% of normal levels after the fire.
- Diesel and aviation fuel production are still running at around 80% capacity.
- The refinery processes about 120,000 barrels of oil each day.
- Viva Energy said the fire area affects the part that combines LPG into gasoline-type molecules.
- The cause of the fire is under investigation, but no signs point to maintenance problems or increased production.
- The government says there will be no fuel restrictions or move to higher alert stages in the national fuel plan.
- Fuel supply losses from the fire will be offset by imports to avoid shortages.
