Wholesale gas prices on Australia’s east coast have more than tripled in the past decade while those on the west coast have flatlined, amid speculation the federal government is considering a major gas market intervention to address runaway prices.

New analysis by consultancy EnergyQuest shows average Australian household gas prices have risen at more than twice the rate of those in Western Australia, where export gas is reserved for domestic use. However, the research shows prices still remain well below those paid in most international markets.