Significant fire at Viva Energy refinery in Geelong

A major fire broke out Wednesday night at Viva Energy Group's Corio refinery in Geelong, Victoria, one of only two operational oil refineries remaining in Australia. Fire Rescue Victoria responded to the blaze, reported around 11pm, describing it as significant and not yet under control as of early reports. Multiple calls to emergency services described explosions and flames at the facility, with 10 vehicles initially dispatched to the scene. All refinery staff have been accounted for with no injuries reported. The refinery, which employs over 1,100 people, processes up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day and supplies more than 50 percent of Victoria's fuel needs alongside approximately 10 percent of Australia's total fuel consumption, according to Viva Energy's website. Authorities issued a watch and act warning for surrounding areas, urging residents south of Refinery Road to shelter indoors with windows closed due to heavy smoke. A wind change later pushed the smoke plume toward northern Geelong neighborhoods, prompting additional alerts for those areas. Motorists were also advised to avoid roads to allow emergency responders clear access. The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened fuel security concerns in Australia, stemming from geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Last month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the government would halve excise taxes on fuel and diesel while removing heavy road user charges for three months to help households manage costs driven by the Iran conflict. The extent of damage to the Corio refinery and potential impacts on fuel supply have not yet been determined.