Overview

• Japanese energy companies re-exported at least 600 petajoules of Australian LNG last year, surpassing the gas consumption of eastern Australian states.
• The resales generated over $1 billion in profits, with two-thirds of the gas sold to high-value markets like Taiwan and South Korea.
• Australia faces potential gas shortages in both eastern and western regions, prompting calls for domestic gas reservation policies.
• Japan, reliant on Australian LNG, has opposed any export restrictions and highlighted its energy security concerns through diplomatic channels.
• The findings intensify scrutiny of Australia's energy export policies as Japan negotiates long-term LNG supply deals with QatarEnergy to diversify its sources.