MELBOURNE, Aug 13 — Australian state energy ministers said yesterday local gas production should be prioritised for the domestic market to ensure there is no shortfall, as forecast for 2023 and 2024, raising pressure on exporters to boost local supply.
“It’s fair to say the challenges remain. Challenges remain this year, they remain next year, into the immediate future,” Bowen told reporters after the meeting. “We produce more than sufficient gas to meet our needs, but the problem is too much of it has been allowed to be exported at our own cost, and that’s got to change,” Victoria state energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio said at a televised media conference.
“And what we need to do is prioritise Australian gas for Australian gas users ahead of companies making super profits and exporting that gas offshore,” Kean told reporters.