The Australian government said it was "encouraged" on steps taken to avert a gas crisis after meeting on April 19 with producers and the energy market operator, but it held out the threat of regulatory steps to address any supply shortages. Australia's energy market operator and east coast liquefied natural (LNG) gas exporters updated Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on measures taken since a March meeting to discuss a domestic gas crunch expected to emerge from 2019. Since then, companies like France's Engie SA and Origin Energy, have sealed deals to ensure gas supply to power plants at peak times, easing some short-term concerns about shortages that have already helped to trigger blackouts. "While this progress is encouraging, a lot more needs to be done," Prime Minister Turnbull said in a statement following talks.