Ports Victoria claims Viva Energy Group (ASX:VEA) has not yet done vital studies on its proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility despite repeated requests since last year, The Australian reported Tuesday.

The studies are important to ascertain the risks of the project, which Ports Victoria conditionally supports. The delay could allegedly jeopardize the project's approval, crucial to preventing a looming gas shortage in Victoria, the report said. The Victorian government is expected to decide on the project by the end of March.

Ports Victoria Chief Executive Craig Walker informed Viva Energy CEO Scott Wyatt about their claims through a letter in November 2024, per the report.

In a company statement cited by The Australian, Viva Energy said "shipping and navigational matters are not the subject of the current inquiry" and that it is engaged with Ports Victoria to resolve any outstanding matters.

Viva Energy did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires.

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