US EditionAustralia refinery fire worsens fuel supply crunch amid Iran war
Firefighters are still battling the blaze, and officials said 50 appliances were on scene as petrol output was reduced.
- On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, a significant fire and multiple explosions erupted at Viva Energy Group's Geelong refinery in Corio, Victoria, prompting Fire Rescue Victoria to respond as the blaze remained not yet under control.
- The facility processes up to 120,000 barrels of oil daily, supplying over 50 per cent of Victoria's fuel and 10 per cent of Australia's needs, making it one of only two operational refineries in the nation.
- Fire Rescue Victoria contained the blaze to the mogas section where motor gasoline is produced, an area roughly 30 metres by 30 metres; all staff were accounted for with no injuries reported.
- Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen stated the incident "will impact production," with petrol output affected while jet fuel and diesel continue at reduced levels; investigations suggest the fire "appears to be an accident."
- Australia's reliance on imported fuel remains a vulnerability, as Professor Sajid Anwar said the fire represents "a critical stress test for Australia's energy resilience" amid reduced domestic refining capacity and global supply pressures.
108 Articles
108 Articles
Australia is also instructed by oil supplies from the Middle East. Of all people, there is now a fire in a large refinery in the country. The owner is confident that he will be able to replace petrol with imports.
A wildfire ripped through one of Australia's two refineries, which supply 10 percent of the country's fuel, on Thursday, prompting authorities to urge people not to storm gas stations.
There is no danger for the population, but the production of diesel and kerosene is currently running only in a reduced way.
Experts say an unprecedented fire has broken out at one of Australia's two oil refineries, which could affect the country's fuel supply. Although the fire at the Geelong refinery, southwest of Melbourne, has been extinguished, the incident has heightened concerns about Australia's fuel supply. The fire burned for 13 hours, but no one was injured: workers at the site were safely evacuated. The refinery, which supplies 50 percent of Victoria's fue…
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