Australia’s domestic natural gas shortages on the largely populated east coast are helping fuel demand for four LNG import projects, placing one of the world’s largest gas exporters on track to become an importer by 2026.

Australia LNG

As fields that have typically fed domestic markets continue to decline, the supply outlook for Australia’s east coast declined. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reported last fall that the country’s risk of gas shortfalls would increase after 2026.

Specifically, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania are likely to be facing frequent gas shortages by 2027, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). The AEMO has backed plans for LNG imports, citing a reduction in the need for demand curtailments over the...