The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) published their Gas Statement of Opportunity on 9 March 2017. It highlighted that there could be insufficient gas to meet demand from both industrial users and power generators. The report highlighted that there could be insufficient gas as soon as the 2018-19 summer.
Following this report, the Prime Minister held a meeting with nine company leaders on Wednesday 15 March 2017. The gas companies committed to increase domestic supply if needed to meet demand. The Prime Minister is quoted as saying that the gas producers ‘understand the absolutely critical importance of maintaining their social license to be doing business in Australia’. He stressed that the Federal Government wanted to see the market come up with a solution but would not shirk from measures which would ‘protect Australian businesses, jobs and families’.
