Australian Gas Networks (AGN) has again been caught greenwashing fossil gas – using one of Australia’s most popular reality TV shows.
AGN’s ad for ‘Renewable Gas’, linked to its sponsorship of Channel 10’s MasterChef Australia, has been found to have overstated the prospect that gas blended with biomethane or renewable hydrogen will be available in Australian homes.
AGN, which is part of Australia Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG), has now removed the television ad which said; ‘at AGN we’re working towards a future where renewable gas could one day be used in your kitchen.’
In its ruling, Ad Standards said that claim was “ vague and does not make it clear that the plan to fully transition to renewable gas, sourced from hydrogen and biomethane, is not expected to be realised until 2050.”
Belinda Noble, Founder of climate communications charity, Comms Declare said, “Australian Gas Industry Group is a repeat offender when it comes to greenwashing. “
“This ruling is welcome, but it also shows how companies can continue to fall foul of advertising self-regulation with no penalty.”
“Australian consumers are still being duped into thinking that fossil gas is a climate solution.”
In 2024, Comms Declare lodged complaints about the ‘Renewable Gas’ sponsorship of MasterChef to the ACCC and Ad Standards, but it was not behind this complaint.
AGN’s ‘Renewable Gas’ has returned as a MasterChef sponsor in 2025, but its logo has not been appearing on the show’s end credits.
GREENWASHING RULINGS AGAINST AGIG
May 2025 MasterChef television ad removed
March 2025 LinkedIn ad removed
July 2020 Billboard removed
Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) is owned by Hong Kong’s CK Infrastructure Holdings-led consortium and combines the operations of the Dampier Bunbury Pipeline, Australian Gas Networks and Multinet Gas Networks.
In its reply to the ruling, AGIG denied the ad was misleading or deceptive.
