Woodside share price holds steady despite oil giant's warning over gas intervention

The company has responded to the government's price cap plans.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • Woodside CEO Meg O'Neill has expressed concern about the government's plans to "intervene" in the Australian gas market
  • This follows the Federal Government announcing on Friday a plan to cap gas prices for domestic sales 
  • The Woodside share price is in the green at the time of writing

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is bouncing around today.

The Woodside share price climbed 1.28% in early trade this morning before pulling back. Woodside shares are currently up 0.17% and are trading at $35.16 apiece. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is climbing 0.23% at the time of writing.

Let's take a look at what is going on at Woodside.

Oil rig worker standing with a clipboard.

Image source: Getty Images

What's happening?

Oil and gas producers are showing relatively little movement up or down on the ASX today. The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price is 0.35% in the green today, while Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares are down 0.49%. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is climbing 0.32% today.

The brent crude oil price is currently up 0.88% to US$78.68 a barrel, while WTI crude oil is up 0.87% to US$73.81 a barrel, according to Bloomberg. The natural gas price is climbing 0.87% to US$6.64 per MMBtu at last look.

Woodside has today expressed concerns about the Federal Government's plan to "intervene" in the Australian gas market.

This follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing a plan to roll out price caps for domestic coal and gas sales. Federal Parliament is due to vote on the plan on Thursday.

In a release today, Woodside has called on the Federal Government to reconsider its "unprecedented intervention" and bring energy companies, retailers and other stakeholders together to create a solution.

Commenting on the gas market today, CEO Meg O'Neill said:

The policy will not address falling domestic gas supply and the increasingly critical role of gas in providing dispatchable power. These are the primary factors that are driving higher energy prices in the east coast gas market, rather than solely the impact of the tragic war in Ukraine.

We need to unlock gas supply now. For example, Woodside has been looking at options to increase supply, including through new LNG import terminals, exploration spending and further development on the east coast. Unfortunately, the proposed market intervention will make it very difficult for industry to economically invest to increase supply

Woodside share price snapshot

The Woodside share price has soared 58% in the last year.

Woodside has a market capitalisation of about $66.7 billion based on the current share price.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

Woman looking at data on her laptop.
Energy Shares

Channel Infrastructure secures $130m bp storage contract in Marsden Point growth plan

Channel Infrastructure NZ announces a $130 million bp storage contract and major plans for fuel resilience at Marsden Point.

Read more »

An oil refinery worker checks her laptop computer in front of a backdrop of oil refinery infrastructure.
Earnings Results

Horizon Oil FY26 results: Record production and expanding platform

Here's what the oil producer reported for the year.

Read more »

Oil worker using a smartphone in front of an oil rig.
Earnings Results

Karoon Energy half-year earnings: FY26 results and outlook

Let's see what the energy producer reported for the first half.

Read more »

a group of three electricity workers stand smiling wearing hard hats and high visibility vests in front of an array of high voltage power equipment.
Energy Shares

Boss Energy reports profit turnaround and more uranium production in FY2026

Boss Energy delivered a $2.5 million profit and doubled revenue as Honeymoon production ramped up in FY2026.

Read more »

A uranium plant worker in full protective gear removes his head covering and holds it in his hand as he smiles slightly to have his picture taken.
Energy Shares

Deep Yellow delivers key Tumas milestones and secures project progress in Namibia

The company has completed key Tumas Project milestones, securing water supply and finalising local ownership in Namibia.

Read more »

Numerous Australian dollar notes laid out.
Dividend Investing

How many Woodside shares do I need to buy to earn $10,000 a year in passive income?

Atop its soaring share price, I think Woodside is an attractive passive income investment.

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Everything you need to know about the Woodside dividend

Here’s how big the next dividend will be.

Read more »

Hand flipping wooden cube block to change between up and down with percentage sign symbol next to it.
Energy Shares

Here's what brokers tip for Woodside shares over the next 12 months

Are the shares a buy after the oil and gas giant posted its FY26 results this morning?

Read more »