Japan exported 40% of the gas it imported from Australia in 2024, yet gas prices are high here. What’s the scam?
The scam is that the gas exported to Japan is supposed to be for their “energy security” – keeping the lights on in Tokyo – but is instead re-exported for the benefit of Japanese companies and to the detriment of Australian consumers (and taxpayers).
The report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) shows the Japanese resell 1.7 times the total volume of Japan’s direct imports from Australia.
Nothing to do with energy security, just good business. For Japan.
Inpex and Australia’s gas rip-off. Billions in revenue, crumbs in tax
Kim Wingerei is a businessman turned writer and commentator. He is passionate about free speech, human rights, democracy and the politics of change. Originally from Norway, Kim has lived in Australia for 30 years. Author of ‘Why Democracy is Broken – A Blueprint for Change’.