By Our Correspondent

National News – A major fire at an oil refinery in Geelong, Australia, has raised concerns about petrol supply across the country.

The blaze broke out just before midnight on Wednesday at the Viva Energy refinery, one of only two refineries in Australia.

Emergency crews responded quickly to reports of explosions and intense flames, working for nearly 13 hours before bringing the situation under control early Thursday morning. No injuries were reported, as workers on-site were safely evacuated.

The refinery, located southwest of Melbourne, is responsible for producing about 50% of fuel used in Victoria and roughly 10% of Australia’s total supply.

Authorities say the fire was caused by equipment failure, though a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and assess the damage.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen described the incident as poorly timed, coming amid a global fuel crisis linked to tensions and conflict involving Iran.

Diesel prices in Australia have surged in recent weeks, with reports of shortages and panic buying in some areas.

Airlines have also begun cutting back flights due to rising jet fuel costs.

Viva Energy CEO Scott Wyatt confirmed that two petrol production units were damaged in the fire, leading to reduced output of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel as safety checks continue.

While some sections of the refinery remain operational, production levels are expected to remain lower until safety is fully assured.

Experts say Australia’s reliance on imported refined fuels from countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia may help cushion the immediate impact.

However, analysts warn that the disruption narrows the country’s fuel supply buffer, leaving it more vulnerable to global shocks.

Local officials described the incident as unprecedented, highlighting its potential economic and energy implications.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while efforts are underway to restore full production capacity.