Kamal Ghorui
A major fire erupted early Thursday at Viva Energy Group’s Geelong refinery in southern Australia, one of the country’s two remaining oil refineries that supplies about 10 per cent of its fuel.Fire Rescue Victoria said it was alerted at 11:15 pm on Wednesday following multiple reports of explosions and flames at the Viva Energy refinery.“The fire is not yet under control although is currently contained to the plant,” the agency said in a statement, adding that the blaze involved “liquid fuels and gases”.Authorities confirmed there were no injuries, while Viva Energy said there was “no immediate impact on fuel supplies”.“Specialist hazardous materials crews are currently undertaking atmospheric monitoring and being supported by a Fire Rescue Victoria scientific officer,” the statement added.According to the company, the refinery, opened in 1954, can process up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day and produces petrol, diesel, LPG, jet fuel and other aviation fuels. It supplies “over 50 percent of Victoria’s and 10 percent of Australia’s fuel”.The incident comes just a week after Viva Energy struck a deal with the Australian government to secure additional fuel supplies amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, AFP reported.“We understand just how critical fuel is to keep motorists, farmers and businesses moving,” chief executive Scott Wyatt had said after the agreement. “Our dedicated teams have been working tirelessly to keep our customers supplied from our Geelong refinery production as well as sourcing extra cargoes, managing challenging logistics and responding to rapid market developments.”
