Fire Rescue Victoria says a fire at the Viva Energy refinery in Corio, near Geelong, is “not yet under control” after breaking out late on April 15, prompting a major emergency response.
Fire Rescue Victoria says crews responded to an incident at the MOGAS Unit at the refinery at approximately 11.15pm following multiple calls reporting explosions and flames.
“The fire is not yet under control although is currently contained to the plant / area of origin and involves LPG and other gasses. This fire has not impacted diesel or gasoline production.”
Authorities say the fire may continue to burn throughout the day.
All emergency personnel and refinery staff have been accounted for, with no reported injuries.
A community advice message has been issued for areas south of the refinery, with residents advised to shelter indoors.
“Close all exterior doors and windows. Turn off heating and cooling systems. Close fireplaces and vents.”
“You should avoid the area around and near the Corio Refinery.”
Footage of the Corio oil refinery on fire in Geelong, Victoria (Australia).
Substantial flames billowing into the sky.
Corio supplies ~120k barrels per day of fuel and refined products, equivalent to over 10% of Australia's daily consumption.
Source: Geelong Community FB pic.twitter.com/Dr8wfOCMBJ
— Tarric Brooker aka Avid Commentator 🇦🇺 (@AvidCommentator) April 15, 2026
Fire Rescue Victoria says hazardous materials crews are undertaking atmospheric monitoring, supported by a scientific officer, while the EPA Victoria has deployed monitoring equipment to assess air quality.
Support agencies including Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, EPA and WorkSafe are on site.
Viva Energy Group Limited has requested a trading halt on the ASX pending an announcement to the market.
Viva Energy chief executive Scott Wyatt says the fire has affected some petrol production units, though others remain operational.
“There are units that make petrol that haven’t been impacted by this incident as well, but naturally petrol will be one of the products that are potentially impacted,” he says.
“We’ll only start increasing production again once we’re confident we can do that safely.”
The Geelong refinery began operations in 1954 and is one of only two remaining in Australia, supplying more than 50% of Victoria’s fuel and about 10% of the national total.
