An accident in the largest refinery in Austria prompted the government in Vienna to release part of the national fuel reserves.
In this way, the security of supply should be guaranteed, according to a statement from Saturday morning.
The accident happened on Friday in the main distillation plant for crude oil at the refinery in Schwechat near Vienna.
Two people were slightly injured by the "mechanical incident", as stated in a statement by the state-owned OMV group.
Cause and extent would be investigated.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) assured that "no one had to worry" whether the supply of fuel was safe. The reserves were there for such cases. Infrastructure Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) said it was not yet foreseeable how long it takes
until the damage is repaired.
In order to bridge longer repair work, part of the state oil reserve, 112,000 tons of diesel and 56,000 tons of petrol, will be released.
Stephen Lowenstein
Political correspondent based in Vienna.
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According to the government, this corresponds to the reserve for six days.
Overall, the state reserve includes the average oil consumption in Austria in 90 days.
An energy control regulation from the Ministry of Climate Protection is required for the release, which is to be issued on Saturday.
The parties represented in Parliament were informed about the procedure, and the necessary approval of the Main Committee of the National Council should be given afterwards.
The refinery had been on hold for maintenance since April 19.
This "mechanical incident" apparently occurred in the course of this work.
It is not foreseeable when the plant can be put into operation again.
"We will work closely with our customers and suppliers to mitigate any impact on product availability," said OMV. Chancellor Nehammer said: "There are still enough reserves available if there is a need."