Liquefied Natural Gas

Australia is finally admitting its gas export boom was a domestic disaster. From 2027, east coast LNG producers must reserve 15 to 25 percent of output for local use, covering three Queensland plants that serve 27 million people. The policy responds to domestic prices tripling since exports began in 2015, while unlimited overseas sales gifted $149 billion in LNG value over four years. Prime Minister Albanese promises existing contracts stay untouched, but the precedent signals resource nationalism is back as energy security trumps export revenues.

Australia's largest independent oil producer is riding the energy crisis wave. Woodside expects stronger LNG earnings in coming quarters as Q3 revenue surged 19 percent to $1.53 billion on 40 percent higher natural gas prices and increased spot market exposure. The company is targeting 50 percent growth in oil and gas sales to 300 million barrels of oil equivalent by 2032, with LNG capacity doubling from 19 million tons to 40 million tons annually. Morningstar analyst Mark Taylor calls the stock undervalued at $24.07 versus a $40 fair value, arguing oil and LNG price spikes create a "make hay while the sun shines" opportunity.