Labor’s deal with gas exporters will lock in high prices, consumer groups say

Energy industry and consumer groups say the high prices for gas being offered in a new deal with exporters will be passed on to households. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

Energy user groups have condemned the Albanese government’s agreement with gas exporters saying it will lock in high prices that will force businesses to close, hurt households and hobble the transition of the electricity sector off fossil fuels.

The resource minister, Madeleine King, on Thursday said the government had signed a new agreement with the big gas exporters from eastern Australia that would ensure there was sufficient supplies to meet local demand.