Gas industry leaders are expressing confusion and concern regarding the Coalition’s plan to compel them to increase the sale of fossil fuel in Australia. There is doubt about whether Peter Dutton’s target to cut gas prices can be achieved. Executives at an Australian Domestic Gas Outlook conference in Sydney argued that the policy aimed at creating an “east coast gas reservation policy” may worsen future gas supply issues in southern states. Dutton plans to increase the available gas supply for Australian homes and businesses by 10% to 20%, which he claims could lead to a decrease in wholesale gas prices. Shell Australia’s chair, Cecile Wake, stated there is uncertainty within the industry regarding the specifics of the Coalition’s proposal and expressed concerns about the potential impact on future investments. Industry leaders are pushing for more details about the plan, which Dutton announced in his budget reply. The increased control over exports isn’t seen as a solution to supply issues but rather a redistribution of gas, which may impede investment and worsen the energy challenge when combined with price caps and other market interventions. Despite the industry’s push for more information on the policy, concerns are also raised about its impact on investments and pricing for consumers.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/01/australian-election-peter-dutton-liberal-coalition-gas-energy-plan-power-prices