Federal government's 'gas trigger' to keep supplies onshore may not be pulled just to put a lid on high prices

The government has a "gas trigger" it can pull to force local gas exporters to reserve some of their supplies for Australia. (AP: Bela Szandelszky)

Gas prices are high and temperatures are low, meaning businesses and households alike are facing big power bills this winter. 

The rising cost of gas and coal on the international market is a significant cause, despite Australia being a major global exporter of both commodities.