Four crossbench MPs likely to hold the balance of power in a NSW minority government will raise their opposition to the $3.5 billion Narrabri gas project in negotiations with major parties, arguing that more Australian gas should be kept onshore for domestic use before new resources are tapped.

The future of Santos’ northern NSW gas project could come into question if there is an unclear result in an upcoming state election, as a slew of crossbenchers cite environmental fears and call on the major parties to accelerate the state’s transition to renewable energy.