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Resources Minister Madeleine King says new gas projects can help plug shortfalls in NSW and Victoria after a warning the states face supply deficits sooner than first thought.

King opened consultation on her “future gas strategy” last year, which she said would manage the transition away from fossil fuels to reach net zero emissions by 2050, while delivering enough gas to ensure Australia’s energy security and affordability for customers. It is expected to be released by the middle of this year.

“Reasonably priced sources of gas are what is needed to shore up east coast gas supply,” King said. “Both the AEMO and ACCC have called for new supply and the work we are doing in the Future Gas Strategy is looking at the options.”

Gas is a potentially explosive issue for the government. Labor’s right flank backs Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who says gas has a “key role” in the energy transition and manufacturers and workers’ unions warn the lack of supply is driving up gas prices and is risking imminent closure at industrial plants.

King said NSW and Victoria’s best solution is to open new gas fields.

The most efficient and carbon-conscious means of accessing gas needed for the transition to net zero is to extract it closer to the places where it is needed.”