Arabic version: حريق في مصفاة النفط في جيلونغ يعطل إمدادات البنزين في أستراليا

A significant fire has erupted at the Viva oil refinery in Geelong, located southwest of Melbourne, raising concerns about petrol supplies in Australia. Emergency services responded just before midnight on Wednesday after reports of explosions and flames at the facility, which is responsible for producing 50% of Victoria’s fuel and 10% of the nation’s overall supply. According to BBC News, no injuries have been reported, but the blaze continues to burn, prompting air quality warnings in the vicinity.

While the refinery remains partially operational, producing jet fuel and diesel at reduced levels, the government has indicated potential impacts on petrol production. Energy Minister Chris Bowen described the timing of the fire as “not great,” particularly given the existing pressures on Australia’s fuel supplies due to the ongoing global oil crisis exacerbated by the conflict in Iran. Diesel prices have surged in recent weeks, with fuel stations experiencing shortages as panic buying escalates.

Viva Energy’s Chief Executive Scott Wyatt emphasized that safety is the primary concern at this time, stating that production is secondary. The fire has affected two petrol production units, although others remain undamaged. Wyatt noted that petrol production would only resume once it is deemed safe to do so.

The incident has garnered attention from local officials, with Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj describing the fire as “unprecedented.” He mentioned that management was in shock and that the fire is expected to burn for several hours before it can be fully contained. Between 50 to 100 workers were present at the refinery at the time of the fire but were safely evacuated, according to Ronnie Hayden from the Australian Workers’ Union.