A significant fire at Viva Energy's Geelong oil refinery in Victoria has disrupted operations, raising concerns about Australia's domestic fuel supply. The fire, which broke out on April 16, 2026, was brought under control by emergency crews, but the company confirmed damage to a key processing unit.
Viva Energy stated that the incident has impacted production, particularly of petrol, at one of the country's only two remaining oil refineries. The company is assessing the full extent of the damage and the timeline for repairs, while working to maintain supply to its customers from existing inventories and its import terminal.
Authorities, including the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), are monitoring the situation for potential impacts on regional fuel security. The incident highlights the vulnerability of Australia's refined fuel infrastructure, which has seen several refineries close in recent years.
