‘Significant’ fire at Viva Energy’s Victoria refinery
Firefighters arrived at the scene to battle a “significant” fire at Viva Energy Group’s Geelong refinery in Victoria, local officials said.
The extent of the damage was not immediately clear. Fire Rescue Victoria said in a statement that the fire was reported at around 23:00 local time on Wednesday, adding that the fire was not yet under control but all personnel were called.
It was stated that the shipment to the refinery in Corio in the state of Victoria came after numerous calls reporting explosions and flames.
The refinery can process up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, according to the company’s website.
The website states that this refinery is one of only two remaining in Australia and employs more than 1,100 people, providing more than 50 per cent of Victoria’s and 10 per cent of Australia’s fuel.
Viva Energy Group did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
Australia has faced fuel security concerns since Iran nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz following an attack by the US and Israel.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said last month he would halve excise duty on fuel and diesel and scrap heavy road user charges for three months to help the government cope with rising costs due to the Iran war.
