Australia's south-east is facing a potential gas supply shortage during the coldest months of the year due to production shortfalls and high demand. 

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has warned that gas supply may not meet demand until the end of September across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania.

One significant cause of the shortfall is production constraints at the Langford Gas Plant in Victoria. Offshore maintenance at the plant is scheduled to continue until at least the start of July. 

In addition to production issues, a severe cold snap has led to a surge in demand for gas. Sydney experienced its coldest morning in about a year, and today, temperatures in Victoria and New South Wales hit six-year lows, with Mount Hotham recording -8.3 degrees Celsius and Khancoban -3.8 degrees Celsius. 

This increased demand for gas is also due to lower-than-expected wind power supply, which has pushed up gas consumption for electricity generation.

The Federal Government and the Opposition both plan to increase gas production to address future energy needs. 

The government aims to boost gas production up to and beyond 2050 to support renewable energy sources. The Coalition proposes increasing gas output to cover energy shortfalls while developing nuclear power plants.

According to government figures released last September, approximately 75 per cent of Australia's natural gas is exported.

AEMO has alerted the gas industry about the potential risk to supply due to the rapid decline in the Iona underground gas storage inventory. 

Under its new East Coast Gas System functions, AEMO must notify industry participants when a gas supply risk or threat is identified. The authority also attributes the decline in gas storage to disruptions at the Longford production facility. 

AEMO produces several reports, including the Gas Statement of Opportunity (GSOO), Victorian Gas Planning Report (VGPR), and the AEMO Gas Winter Outlook, which help industry participants plan to meet future demand.

AEMO says it will continue working with governments and industry stakeholders to manage gas supply and has urged those interested to consult the Gas Bulletin Board (GBB) for real-time gas flow information.