Australian manufacturers are calling out on gas producers as they believe the industry is withholding supply to circumvent the government’s price cap, effectively pushing local businesses to the edge of a shutdown.
Following the federal government’s recent intervention, which caps wholesale gas prices at $12 per gigajoule, the east coast gas market was in a state of suspension as gas producers reportedly stopped new gas offers, citing uncertainty about the new regulations.
Some gas retailers confirmed they had been unable to secure a gas supply contract for 2023, forcing them to turn away new commercial and industrial customers.
At the same time, those retailers charged existing customers who have not signed up for a contract for 2023 at higher rates than those under contract….