Australian government officials have confirmed plans to fund a AU$4 million (€2.5 million) early-stage feasibility study into the construction of the country’s first oil refinery in 60 years.
Past refinery closures mean that around 90% of Australia’s liquid fuels are imported, with the recent international oil crisis highlighting Australia’s fuel insecurity. There are currently two refineries operating in the country: Ampol’s Lytton refinery, Brisbane; and Viva Energy’s facility, Geelong. The proposed third would be constructed by Perdaman in Western Australia.
Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, says ‘The longer war in the Middle East goes on the greater the impact on Australia will be, and my government will continue to do everything we can to shield Australia from the worst effects – and set us up for the future.’
