The Australian government on Monday unveiled the draft design for its proposed Domestic Gas Reservation Scheme that would require liquefied natural gas exporters to ensure 20% of their annual export volume is reserved for the domestic market.
Obligations under this scheme will commence from July 1 next year, according to a statement issued by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on Monday.
"These reforms are an opportunity to streamline the gas market regulatory framework and manage regulatory burden," the statement said.
The document has been made available for stakeholder feedback.
Existing contracts entered into on or before Dec. 22 last year will be "respected" and regulated entities will be allowed to propose adjustments to their domestic supply obligation if they can show that they would be forced to break export contracts.
The final policy will be finalized by the government through legislation expected in 2027.