On 19 April 2017, the Australian Government directed the ACCC to conduct a wide-ranging inquiry into the supply of and demand for natural gas in Australia, and to publish regular information on the supply and pricing of gas for the next 3 years.
On 25 July 2019, the Treasurer wrote to the ACCC extending the inquiry until December 2025.
On 25 October 2022, the Government extended the ACCC's gas inquiry role through to 2030.
Scope of inquiry
The inquiry will monitor and consider matters including:
- the pricing and availability of offers to supply gas
- the volumes of gas supplied or available for current or future supply, including natural gas extracted or produced in Australia, or imported into Australia
- the pricing, volume and availability of gas for domestic supply compared to the pricing, volume and availability of gas for export
- the pricing, volume and availability of other goods or services, such as goods or services for drilling, storing or processing gas, that enable, assist or facilitate the supply of gas or gas transportation services in Australia.
Providing information to the inquiry
When requested to do so in a notice or determination, you should provide information and documents to the ACCC using the ACCC data portal.
Companies that would like to share their recent experience in the gas market, or broader concerns about the gas industry, can email the ACCC at gas.inquiry@accc.gov.au.
Timeline
Media releases
ACCC to investigate and report on Australian gas markets and market transparency - 20 April 2017
Interim gas report finds substantial shortfall for east coast likely in 2018 - 25 September 2017
Some improvements in gas market, but prices still too high - 12 December 2017
East coast gas market supply imbalance needs to be addressed - 28 February 2018
More transparency on gas pricing - 27 April 2018
East coast gas market conditions have eased, but more gas required to lower prices - 2 August 2018
Publication of gas export parity prices to improve transparency - 2 October 2018
Investment required for lower priced gas - 18 December 2018
East coast gas prices need to follow export prices down - 30 May 2019
East coast gas market still tight - 22 August 2019
East coast gas prices appear too high and future supply is uncertain - 18 February 2020
Domestic gas users paying too much - 17 August 2020
Gas prices improve for customers but lower prices may not last - 16 February 2021
Greater effort needed to overcome high gas prices - 24 March 2021
Views sought on LNG netback price series - 1 July 2021
Looming gas supply shortfall for east coast market - 17 August 2021
Extended LNG netback price series will improve price transparency - 30 September 2021
Gas prices increase as supply shortfall emerges for southern states - 16 February 2022
LNG exporters must divert gas to the domestic market to avoid shortfalls - 1 August 2022
Gas supply outlook improves but shortfall still possible - 27 January 2023
Gas shortfall in 2023 less likely as gas supply outlook improves - 3 April 2023
Gas supply outlook for 2024 improves but risk of winter shortfalls remains - 30 June 2023
Gas supply outlook for first quarter 2024 shows likely surplus - 20 September 2023
Gas supply sufficient for 2024 but smaller surplus forecast - 15 December 2023
East coast gas supply sufficient for 2025 but concerns remain for longer-term - 5 July 2024