‘Red Sky’ and Shockwaves: Locals Describe Fire at One of Australia’s Last Fuel Refineries

Geelong local Benny Young said the fire let off an ‘ominous hiss.’

Geelong local and father Benny Young's photo of the blaze that erupted at the Viva Energy oil refinery on April 16, 2026. The refinery is one of two left in Australia after a series of closures over two decades in favour of cheaper alternatives in Asia. Australia's fuel supply chain has been under scrutiny due to sky-high fuel prices in recent weeks. Courtesy of Benny Young

Locals in Geelong spoke about the moment a fire engulfed one of Australia’s two remaining fuel refineries amid the current supply chain crisis.

Just before midnight on April 15, locals were awoken to the sights and sounds of multiple fire crews arriving to deal with the blaze.