ExxonMobil has rubbished the popular idea that diverting gas from Queensland’s LNG export industry into the local market could relieve looming shortages of gas on the east coast, instead urging a renewed focus on policy that supports Australia’s energy security.

David Berman, commercial director of ExxonMobil Australia, one of the biggest suppliers of gas to the domestic market, said limited pipeline capacity from Queensland meant that cutting LNG exports from Gladstone in favour of domestic supply would not ease forecast shortfalls.