Australia’s gas-led recovery dream faces supply wake-up
Canberra’s flagship post-Covid energy policy faces headwinds from a looming supply shortfall
Australia’s southern states could see a supply shortfall of up to 30PJ (equivalent to 2.2mn m³/d) as soon as 2024, according to the most recent Gas Inquiry 2017-2025 interim report from competition watchdog the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The commission also warns the government’s expanded heads of agreement (HoA) with LNG exporters—which ensures that uncontracted gas must first be offered to domestic buyers on “competitive market terms”—is unlikely to be enough to bridge that gap. Indeed, while noting a decline in wholesale gas prices over the past year, the ACCC says the country needs to build import capacity if it wishes to avoid a price spike that will hurt loc
Also in this section
11 February 2026
Panellists from three LNG buyers at LNG2026 in Doha outlined their evolving procurement strategies as they navigate heightened market volatility
11 February 2026
North African producer plans to boost output by early 2030, with Europe its number one priority as export destination
11 February 2026
Maritime leaders at LNG2026 warned of the dangers of over-regulation on competitiveness, sustainability and innovation
10 February 2026
The country has opened bidding on 50 blocks in a new licensing round but will face competition for attention and will need to address concerns about security and legislation
