Australian government strikes deal with gas suppliers to avoid winter shortfall

Federal resources minister Madeleine King says agreement with three big exporters will ensure security of supply and avoid need for gas trigger'

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The government has struck a deal with the three major gas exporters on the east coast that will ensure sufficient supplies of the fossil fuel are available to avoid a potential shortfall next year.

The federal resources minister, Madeleine King, said on Thursday she had signed a new heads of agreement with the three big LNG exporters - Santos's GLNG plant, the ConocoPhillips-led APLNG group and Shell's QGC operations.

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