A major fire at Viva Energy’s Corio refinery in Geelong threatens fuel supplies, as the plant is one of only two Australian refineries capable of domestic fuel production.

The refinery processes about 120,000 barrels per day and employs over 1,100 people; while petrol production is potentially affected, other units remain undamaged for now.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the immediate impact is on petrol, with diesel and jet fuel still being produced at reduced levels as a safety precaution; petrol output could be down for some time.

SAG-AFTRA president outlined negotiating priorities ahead of contract talks, stressing the preservation of gains from the 2023 strike, including wages and protections around AI.

Officials promised further updates as more information becomes available and the situation develops.

Analysts warn about the costs and risks of shifting from neoliberal trade models to more self-reliant capacity, cautioning potential economic disruption.

Experts call for resilience measures such as identifying single points of failure, building redundancy, and improving supply chain mapping and crisis coordination.

Policy responses discussed include diversifying imports, expanding storage, and accelerating investment in renewables to bolster resilience against future shocks.

Public health and safety guidance emphasize transparent communication on stock levels and delivery schedules to prevent panic buying and ensure equitable access.

Crisis communications should provide clear, specific information on stock and supply chain status to maintain public trust.

There is an official assessment of forthcoming supply disruptions and potential timelines for restoration.

Investigations point to possible equipment failure; WorkSafe cautioned the process could take up to a year, underscoring safety and stakeholder communication during response and recovery.