What happened at the Viva Energy (ASX:VEA) Geelong Refinery?

On 15 April 2026, a fire broke out at the Geelong Refinery, leading to the shutdown of key production infrastructure. Viva Energy is currently in the process of isolating the damaged Alkylation unit to allow for safety inspections and preparatory work required to restart the facility's main production unit.

When will Viva Energy (ASX:VEA) return to full production capacity?

Viva Energy anticipates that repairs will take approximately six weeks, targeting a return to full operation for the Residue Catalytic Cracking Unit (RCCU) during June 2026. Once the RCCU and associated units are back online, total production at the Geelong site is expected to increase to over 90% of its total capacity.

How is the Geelong Refinery fire affecting current fuel production volumes?

While the RCCU is offline, diesel and jet fuel production is running at approximately 80% of normal capacity. Petrol production has seen a more significant impact, currently operating at roughly 60% of capacity.

Will the production drop at Viva Energy (ASX:VEA) cause fuel shortages?

The company has stated that it holds sufficient fuel stocks to cover the current reduction in refinery output. Viva Energy expects to maintain a normal, uninterrupted supply to its customers throughout the repair and restart period.

What is the significance of the Residue Catalytic Cracking Unit (RCCU) for Viva Energy?

The RCCU is considered a cornerstone of the Geelong Refinery's production process. Its shutdown is the primary reason for the current drop in petrol, diesel, and jet fuel output, and its successful restart is required to return the site to 90%+ capacity.

Is Viva Energy (ASX:VEA) facing any delays in its recovery timeline?

As of the latest update, the recovery process is progressing well with no identified impediments to the restoration schedule. However, the six-week repair estimate remains subject to the findings of further detailed technical inspections of the impacted units.

Viva Energy targets June recovery for Geelong Refinery

Written by Mahathir BayenaPublished May. 4 2026Last Updated May. 4 2026

Viva Energy (ASX:VEA) has provided an operational update regarding the Geelong Refinery as recovery efforts continue following a fire that broke out on April 15.

Since the incident, engineering teams have focused on securing the damaged Alkylation unit and isolating it from the broader facility to allow for critical inspections.

The preparatory works are essential for the restart of the residue catalytic cracking unit, a cornerstone of the refinery’s production.

Viva Energy confirmed that this process is progressing smoothly, with no immediate impediments identified to hamper the restoration timeline.

Subject to the findings of further technical inspections, the company anticipates that necessary repairs will take approximately six weeks.

This puts the RCCU and its associated units on track to return to full operation during June. Once the restart is completed, overall production at the Geelong site is expected to surge to over 90% of its total capacity.

Current output for diesel and jet fuel is sitting at approximately 80% capacity, while petrol production has been more heavily impacted, running at 60% while the RCCU remains offline.

Despite the reduced figures, Viva Energy has moved to reassure the public and commercial partners, stating that existing fuel stocks are sufficient to bridge the gap.

The company expects to maintain a normal, uninterrupted fuel supply to its customers throughout the repair period as it continues to coordinate with insurers and investigate the root cause of the blaze.

At the time of reporting, Viva Energy's share price was $2.50.