FARM ONLINE | Critics question government diesel plan as Geelong refinery output drops

A fire at the Viva Energy Geelong Refinery has raised fresh concerns about Australia’s fuel system, as grain producers move into a critical phase of the season.

Farm Online reported that the refinery, one of only two in Australia alongside the Ampol Lytton Oil Refinery, is operating at reduced capacity following the incident, with petrol production impacted and diesel continuing at lower levels.

Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the incident highlights the risks of relying on limited domestic refining capacity.

“When one of the two facilities we have in Australia is disrupted, it puts a spotlight on how exposed we are to both domestic outages and imported supply,” Mr Weidemann said.

While there is no immediate supply shortfall, the timing is significant, with fuel critical for seeding and early season operations across the grains industry.

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