The Australian government has delivered its first payment to local oil refineries as part of a pledge to raise the nation’s worryingly-low stockpile levels and maintain domestic oil production. Australia is estimated to have 68 days of crude oil in reserve—the only country with less than the 90 days recommended by the International Energy Agency to avoid fuel security issues in the case of global oil supply disruption. The first payment will see Viva Energy Geelong Refinery in Victoria receive $12.45 million for the first quarter of 2021-22, part of a $2.3 billion commitment to keep the nation’s last two oil refineries running. Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor explained the payments will help secure the ongoing operations of Viva Energy along with Queensland’s Ampol Lytton Refinery. “Our comprehensive fuel security package will ensure we are prepared for any emergency, see an increase in our onshore diesel …