Fuel to the fire: why Victorians could be paying more for petrol
The Corio refinery provides over 50% of Victoria's fuel.
A fire overnight at the Viva Energy refinery in Corio is more bad news for Australia's fuel crisis.
The fire, which started late last night according to the ABC, is not yet "under control" although it is reducing.
Australia only has two fuel refineries, and this one provides "over 50 percent of Victoria's and 10 percent of Australia's fuel."
The fire broke out in the MOGAS unit of the refinery, according to Fire Rescue Victoria, which was called to the blaze at 11pm Wednesday night after reports of "explosions and flames."
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MOGAS stands for motor gasoline. The fuel that goes in cars, in other words.
How will the fire affect petrol prices?
It's too soon to say exactly how badly the fire will affect Australian fuel prices.
"It's not a positive development. It will have an impact," said energy minister Chris Bowen.
Other parts of the refinery are still operating, although currently at minimum capacity, according to Viva Energy.
Australia only has two domestic fuel refineries, the Corio refinery and another in Brisbane. We import most of our refined fuel from places like Singapore and Taiwan.
No staff at the refinery have been injured.
Australian fuel prices soared in early March as a result of the Iran War and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Petrol prices had jumped by as much as 30% in just a month. Prices started to come down after a cut to the fuel excise, but remain higher than average.
You can track fuel prices in your area and find the cheapest price using Finder's fuel price tracker.
And there are plenty of tips and tricks drivers can use to save on petrol, like stacking discounts and locking in prices with the 7-Eleven app.
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