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FINWIRES

Viva Energy Group's Fire-Hit Geelong Refinery to Produce Petrol at 60% of Capacity Over Short Term

-- Viva Energy Group (ASX:VEA) said its fire-hit Geelong refinery is expected to produce diesel and jet fuel at about 80% of capacity and petrol at roughly 60% of capacity in the short term, according to a Monday filing with the Australian bourse.

The company said it has adequate fuel stocks to cover the reduced production and expects to maintain normal fuel supply to customers following the April 15 fire, which was brought under control and fully extinguished by the morning of April 16.

The residue catalytic cracking unit a the site was unaffected but remains offline while operations are stabilized. The company expects to restart the unit and lift production of diesel, jet fuel, and petrol to over 90% of capacity "over the next few weeks," it said. Once the unit is restarted, the refinery is expected to continue production at 90% until repairs are completed.

Viva Energy added it has insurance coverage for property damage and business interruption. It is investigating the cause of the fire, and will launch an assessment of damage, repairs, and financial impact this week.

The company's shares will resume trading at market open on Monday.

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