Fire Rescue Victoria said crews were called at around 11:15 p.m. local time to the Viva Energy Refinery, where the fire involved liquid fuels and gases and remained uncontrolled as of early Thursday.“All emergency response personnel and Viva employees have been accounted for,” the agency said in a statement, adding there were no reported casualties.

Authorities urged residents in Geelong and surrounding areas to remain indoors and close windows and doors as smoke spread across the region due to shifting winds.The refinery, operated by Viva Energy Group, is one of only two remaining oil refineries in Australia and can process up to 120,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

It supplies more than half of fuel demand in Victoria state and about 10% of Australia’s total fuel consumption.Fire officials said the blaze was contained to the plant, while the company indicated there was no immediate disruption to fuel supplies.

Australia’s Energy Minister Chris Bowen said an investigation would be launched, describing the incident as likely accidental at this stage. He added that while diesel and jet fuel production continued, petrol output could be affected for some time.

The incident comes as Australia faces heightened fuel security concerns linked to disruptions in global energy markets, particularly following tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for international oil shipments.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said last month the government would temporarily cut fuel excise and road user charges to offset rising costs driven by the conflict.

The temporary tax cut will lower fuel costs by 26.3 Australian cents per litre, Albanese said, while the government will also remove the heavy road user charge.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the combined measures would cost about A$2.55 billion.

Global oil markets have tightened sharply after disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of global supply previously passed. Brent crude has risen 59% in March, reaching $115.66 per barrel at the start of trading on Monday.

Domestic fuel prices have climbed in response, with diesel exceeding A$3 per litre and petrol reaching A$2.50, according to industry data.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the government would use expanded powers to support fuel imports, including underwriting high-cost spot cargoes through Export Finance Australia to ensure supply continuity.

The move aims to assist smaller fuel importers that may be unable to absorb the risks of volatile prices.

Canberra said Australia currently holds fuel reserves equivalent to about 30 days of diesel and jet fuel, and 39 days of petrol, below the 90-day level recommended by the International Energy Agency.

Officials said the country remains at level two of a national fuel security framework focused on maintaining transport and supply chains, warning that prolonged conflict could intensify economic pressures.