Viva Energy Group Ltd.’s 120,000-b/d Geelong refinery adjacent to Corio Bay, about 50 km west of Melbourne, in Victoria, Australia, is running at reduced production rates following a fire at the site’s gasoline unit, the company said on Apr. 16.
The incident occurred on the evening of Apr. 15 within the refinery’s gasoline complex. Emergency responders from Fire Rescue Victoria attended the site and brought the situation under control. According to Viva Energy, all personnel were accounted for and no injuries were reported.
The refinery continues operating at reduced throughput while the extent of damage is assessed.
The company said it expects production impacts to be concentrated on gasoline and aviation gasoline production, though a full evaluation will follow once it is safe to access affected units.
Viva Energy said there is no immediate disruption to fuel supply, noting it will offset any production shortfall through its established fuel import program.
ULSG project startup
Confirmation of the fire follows startup of the refinery’s ultralow-sulfur gasoline (ULSG) project, which occurred in second-half 2025. The project enables production of gasoline with sulfur content of 10 ppm, aligning with new Australian fuel quality standards that took effect in late 2025.
The ULSG upgrade is part of the operator’s broader strategy to modernize the Geelong refinery and support compliance with tightening emissions regulations while maintaining domestic refining capacity.
Gas terminal approval, energy hub plans
Separately, Viva Energy confirmed on Apr. 9 that its proposed LPG import terminal at Geelong received federal environmental approval under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act on Apr. 1.
The approval follows a prior positive environmental assessment by the Victorian government and allows the project to proceed subject to conditions. The planned terminal, to be located at the refinery’s existing pier infrastructure near Corio Bay, is intended to supply natural gas to southeastern Australia amid declining domestic production.
According to the company, studies conducted during the approval process indicate the terminal will not adversely affect the surrounding marine environment, including nearby wetlands.
About the Author
Robert Brelsford
Downstream Editor
Robert Brelsford joined Oil & Gas Journal in October 2013 as downstream technology editor after 8 years as a crude oil price and news reporter on spot crude transactions at the US Gulf Coast, West Coast, Canadian, and Latin American markets. He holds a BA (2000) in English from Rice University and an MS (2003) in education and social policy from Northwestern University.