Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reassured the nation that Australia's fuel security remains robust following a major fire at the Viva Energy (ASX:VEA) refinery on April 15 night.
Speaking from Geelong on April 17, the Prime Minister confirmed that despite the blaze heavily damaging the petrol processing unit, approximately 60% of petrol production is already proceeding.
The facility’s output for other critical fuels remains even higher, with 80% of both diesel and aviation fuel production continuing.
"It’s been slowed down just slightly," Albanese noted, though he insisted the incident would not trigger a shift in the national fuel security plan, which currently sits at stage two of four.
He clarified that the plan is designed to mitigate global shocks rather than localised industrial accidents.
To further bolster the supply chain, Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced that BP has joined Export Finance Australia in a commercial arrangement for additional fuel supplies, joining Viva, Ampol, iOR, and Park Fuels. Minister Bowen highlighted that BP’s involvement is "particularly important for Western Australia".
Addressing concerns over ageing infrastructure, Viva Energy CEO Scott Wyatt dismissed suggestions that a lack of maintenance caused the spark.
He pointed to a "significant maintenance programme" completed in 2025 and recent federal investment to introduce low-sulphur petrol production.
Wyatt also moved to calm the markets, stating he does not anticipate any increase in petrol prices for consumers as a result of the disruption.