Massive blaze engulfs Geelong oil refinery in Australia

ALBAWABA- A major fire broke out at Viva Energy’s Corio oil refinery in Geelong shortly after midnight on Wednesday, sending large flames into the sky and prompting a major emergency response as firefighters work to contain the blaze.

Authorities confirmed that the fire at the Corio facility remains “out of control,” with multiple fire trucks, Fire Rescue Victoria crews, and the refinery’s internal emergency teams deployed to the site. No injuries have been reported so far, and officials have not yet determined the cause or extent of the damage.

The Corio refinery, which has been operating since 1954, is one of only two remaining oil refineries in Australia. It processes up to 120,000 barrels of crude oil per day, producing petrol, diesel, jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and LPG. The facility supplies roughly half of Victoria’s fuel needs and more than 10 percent of national demand, while employing over 1,100 workers.

The incident comes at a time of growing pressure on Australia’s energy security. Domestic refining capacity has declined sharply over the past decade, leaving the country heavily dependent on imports for 80–90 percent of its refined fuel. Only two refineries remain operational, including the Geelong plant and Ampol’s Lytton refinery in Brisbane.

Government subsidies extended until 2030 have helped sustain both facilities, with Corio recently operating at near maximum capacity amid deferred maintenance to support fuel output. These strains have been intensified by global energy disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.