A significant fire has erupted at the Shell Parade oil refinery in Geelong, one of only two operational oil refineries in Australia, prompting local authorities to alert residents to stay indoors. Emergency services responded to the incident shortly after it was reported at around 11pm, and as of 2am, there were no reported injuries.
In light of the smoke, which has spread due to wind changes, a spokesperson for the Country Fire Authority (CFA) advised people living in surrounding areas to keep their windows closed and to remain indoors until further notice. A “watch and act” warning was issued for multiple suburbs, including Chilwell, Corio, and Geelong, highlighting the potential impact of smoke spreading to various neighbourhoods.
Residents south of Refinery Road in Corio received instructions to take immediate shelter indoors, close all external doors and windows, and turn off heating and cooling systems. The CFA urged those in the vicinity to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to manage the situation effectively.
The Geelong refinery has been a critical facility, processing up to 120,000 barrels of oil daily and supplying over half of Victoria’s fuel requirements. However, the fire’s impact on fuel supplies remains uncertain, especially in light of existing challenges related to the ongoing crisis from the war in Iran.
Despite the potential disruptions, Viva Energy, the refinery’s operator, has not yet commented on the situation. Over the last two decades, Australia has seen the closure of six domestic oil refineries, which has resulted in a heavy reliance on imported liquid fuels, accounting for 90% of the nation’s needs. Concerns grow among residents and officials alike regarding the long-term implications of this fire on local fuel availability.