Huge Viva Energy refinery fire

A fire at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery has cut fuel production at one of Australia’s last two operating refineries. (vivaenergy.com.au) The blaze broke out in the refinery’s gasoline complex late on April 15, and Fire Rescue Victoria said crews were called to the MOGAS unit in Corio at about 11:15 p.m. after reports of explosions and flames. The fire burned for about 13 hours before it was extinguished at 12:04 p.m. on April 16. (frv.vic.gov.au) (abc.net.au) Viva Energy said all personnel were accounted for and no one was injured. The company said the refinery is still operating at reduced throughput while it assesses damage. (vivaenergy.com.au) (ogj.com) The damaged unit is tied to gasoline production, and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said diesel and jet fuel were still being made at reduced levels as a precaution. Viva refinery manager Bill Patterson said the affected section was linked to liquefied petroleum gas and low-aromatic gasoline, while other fuel-making units kept running. (abc.net.au 1) (abc.net.au 2) That distinction matters in Australia because Geelong and Ampol’s Lytton refinery in Brisbane are the country’s only two operating refineries. ABC reported each site provides about 10 percent of Australia’s fuel, with the rest imported. (abc.net.au) Geelong can process up to 120,000 barrels of crude a day and makes petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas and jet fuel. Oil & Gas Journal said Viva expects the production hit to be concentrated in gasoline and aviation gasoline, not an immediate across-the-board shutdown. (abc.net.au) (ogj.com) Viva said it believes a faulty mechanical part in the mogas alkylation plant caused a gas leak that then ignited. Fire Rescue Victoria said the fire area was about 30 metres by 30 metres and involved several small explosions. (abc.net.au) (frv.vic.gov.au) Residents near the refinery were told to shelter indoors while emergency crews worked the scene. The refinery sits about 500 metres from the nearest residential areas, according to ABC’s mapping. (abc.net.au) Viva has said there is no immediate disruption to fuel supply because it can use its import program to cover shortfalls. Ampol, which runs the other refinery, said its Lytton plant was operating at 100 percent and that it would assist if needed. (ogj.com) (abc.net.au) The next test is how quickly Viva can restore the Geelong units that make petrol-related products. Until that damage assessment is finished, Australia’s fuel system is leaning harder on imports and on the only other refinery still running at full rates. (vivaenergy.com.au) (abc.net.au)