Stupid -- Yep - Import GAS !, page-80

Actually it's no so stupid.

When our gas explorers wanted to become producers they needed bankers to fund the multi $bill liquefaction trains. They needed seed buyers on a committed "take or pay" basis before they would fund the projects. Japanese and Chinese buyers committed, Australians didn't.

Too bad, so sad! We now have to buy on the open market, blame short sighted Aussies for that.

But even if Sydney or Melbourne had signed these contracts part of the agreement would have been that the gas would have to be transported on Australian flagged ships with MUA crews. Such contracts exist in the oil industry which has died and the cross Bass St trade which is as expensive as 'ell.

Starting from here, if Syd, Mlb build receiving terminals it would be cheaper to buy ex Singapore on international shipping.