Australian upstream rejects politicians’ call for A$4 gas
Producers insist the costs of producing gas domestically—as well as prevailing spot prices—significantly exceed the historic benchmark price level
The Australian upstream industry is pushing back against the popular notion that currently depressed domestic natural gas prices are here to stay. While prices have collapsed over the past two years, the industry argues the days of cheap gas are gone and expectations that prices will not climb in line with the international market are unrealistic. The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (Appea) has pointed to an International Gas Union (IGU) survey of wholesale gas prices as showing that Australia’s average rates are among the lowest in the Asia-Pacific region. Majors ExxonMobil and Shell, meanwhile, have dismissed a recent recommendation to the government that gas pr
Also in this section
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
2 December 2025
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
1 December 2025
The North African producer’s first bidding round in almost two decades is an important milestone but the recent extension suggests a degree of trepidation






