Gas producers are pushing back at assertions from the competition watchdog that they now have enough information on new gas pricing rules to resume offering contracts to customers. It comes amid fresh criticism of the price cap compared to a much higher cap in Europe, where the market continues to function.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairwoman Gina Cass-Gottlieb said there was no justification for gas suppliers refusing to offer manufacturers new contracts under the price cap. She told ABC Radio that in its guidance released on Tuesday, the ACCC had provided enough information to producers to enable them to offer gas supply.