A major fire engulfed a key Australian oil refinery on Thursday night after a series of explosions. The Victoria State Fire Service reported on Thursday morning that the fire had been contained, but may continue to smolder during the day. The authorities warned of a possible disruption of fuel supplies and urged the population not to panic, AFP reported, TASR writes.
- On Thursday night, a series of explosions at an Australian refinery was accompanied by a massive fire.
- Firefighters localized the fire, but the facility may continue to smolder throughout Thursday.
- The fire affected the high-octane gasoline unit, the other fuel sections remained protected.
- The affected Viva Energy refinery is one of Australia’s last two oil refineries.
- Australia has approximately 38 days of petrol reserves and is heavily dependent on imports.
The fire affected part of the equipment intended for the production of high-octane gasoline. Thanks to the closing of the isolation valves, it was possible to protect other parts of the plant, where aviation fuel and diesel are produced.
Viva Energy’s refinery is one of only two operating oil refineries in Australia. They can process up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day. Along with the Ampol refinery in Brisbane, it covers about 10 to 20 percent of Australia’s total needs, analysts said.
Australia’s Energy Minister Chris Bowen said in relation to the incident that its main impact so far relates to the production of petrol. “It’s not good. The timing is really inappropriate.” he told public broadcaster ABC, referring to the pressure on fuel supplies due to the war in the Middle East.
However, Bowen also urged residents to avoid panic buying fuel. “It’s important that people buy as much fuel as they need. No more, no less,” he said. According to government figures, Australia has about 38 days’ worth of petrol, well below the 90-day minimum set by the International Energy Agency.
Australia is largely dependent on oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz, through which until recently about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies passed. Shipping in the area came to a virtual standstill following the February 28 attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel.
