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Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the ongoing fire at Viva’s Geelong oil refinery will impact the national fuel supply.

The refinery produces 10 percent of Australia’s national fuel and 50 percent of Victoria’s.

“There will be an impact on production,” Bowen said Today.

“Currently, jet fuel and diesel production at the refinery continues at reduced levels as a precaution for safety reasons. At this time, the impact is mainly on gasoline production.”

Because the fire was not yet under control, Bowen said it was too early to say what the specific impact would be.

“This is not a positive development, but there is clearly a long way to go in terms of figuring out what the impact is,” he said.

“Our message to people remains: buy as much fuel as you need, no more and no less.”