Queensland gas exports will be restricted if a domestic gas shortage should occur, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced on Thursday, April 27, while on a visit to an industrial chemicals plant at Gibson Island in Queensland.

The move was made to stop Australians from paying higher prices for gas while exporters benefited, Turnbull said, in a move criticised by some in the gas industry.

According to the Courier Mail Australians pay more for Australian gas than Japanese consumers, and there are fears Australians may face shortages.