Pressure is growing on the Victorian and NSW governments to boost sources of gas to the east coast energy market after Resources Minister Madeleine King highlighted that dwindling Bass Strait production was a key cause of looming shortages.

Speaking after an ominous report by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) warned businesses and households could face shortfalls as soon as this winter and more regularly from 2027 onwards, Ms King pointedly said she had been working with the Victorian government to extend the state’s existing resources.