Fire Rescue Victoria said in an update it responded to an incident at the MOGAS Unit at the Viva Oil Refinery in Corio at approximately 11.15pm yesterday evening following multiple calls to Triple Zero (000) reporting explosions and flames.
The refinery is one of only two refineries remaining in Australia, employing over 1,100 people. It processes up to 120,000 barrels of oil daily, producing over 50% of Victoria’s fuel and 10% of Australia’s total, including petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and special products like bitumen.
The report at 4:58 am local time said the blaze was not yet under control ‘although contained to the plant / area of origin and involves liquid fuels and gases.’
All emergency response personnel and Viva employees have been accounted for and there have been no reported injuries.
There was no reports yet on the extent of the damage or impact to refining capabilities.
It comes at a time when the country faces fuel security concerns given Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz following airstrikes from the United States and Israel.
Fire Rescue Victoria advised residents near the Geelong refinery to avoid the area, and shelter indoors with all windows and doors closed.
