Australia adjusts LNG export rules to retain Asian buyers; Thailand launches solar subsidy
Labor has modified Australia's gas supply mandates while Tokyo, Seoul and Kuala Lumpur negotiate contract security. Simultaneously, Bangkok begins a THB50 billion program subsidizing rooftop solar.
Australia is modifying its proposed local gas supply laws to ease tensions with Asian buyers under the Labor government. The revised plan takes effect in January 2028. Liquefied natural gas shippers will still reserve 20% of export volumes for Australians. However, ministers agreed to allow lower reservation levels when domestic demand forecasts are weak. Officials also gained discretion to reduce mandatory supply during constraints from existing contracts or pipeline capacity. These concessions follow consultations with producers and representatives from Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. Most Australian LNG is produced in Queensland and Western Australia and sold on long-term deals with Asian partners. Over the past four months, officials from these three nations lodged appeals regarding these changes.
