Without new gas, the Australian warns, an 'energy crisis' is nigh - but is the scary rhetoric justified?

Australia needs more gas in the short term because of our sluggish transition to renewables - but at worst the shortfall may lead to some rationingGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe gas industry has been unleashing a firehose of rhetoric in recent days over concerns Australia could suffer a shortage of gas.In a series of articles in the Australian newspaper under the banner "Gas Crisis", industry figures and the Coalition's energy spokesman, Ted O'Brien, claim a shortage is going to "destroy" the economy, cause a "crippling energy crisis" and have Australians suffering the ignominy of "cold showers".Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Continue reading...