WA’s domestic gas policy dilemma

As a gas supply shortfall looms, balancing regulatory flexibility with energy security and investor confidence will be critical

Western Australia’s (WA’s) government is in a precarious position. It must address a looming gas supply shortfall while appeasing upstream investors’ discontent over gas sales restrictions. Perth is reviewing its more than 40-year-old domestic gas policy, designed to ensure local needs are met by controlling gas exports. That rethink is driven by forecasts that the west coast market will experience fluctuating annual gas supply shortages between now and 2033. The Australian Energy Market Operator expects gas supply to fall to 105PJ short of domestic demand in 2024–26, with the shortfall contracting to 31PJ in 2027–29 before blowing out again from 2030. While the domestic gas policy is widely