Frank Chapman, chief executive of the £3.7billion UK explorer, claimed Origin’s res­ponse to its A$15.50 (£7.22)-per-share cash offer lacked “substance or clarity”.

Origin, Australia’s largest producer of gas from coal, wants its investors to back a partnership plan to export gas to Asian markets. It has short-listed bidders for a venture to convert coal-seam gas to liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Buying Origin would bolster reserves for BG’s own planned LNG export project in North-eastern Australia.

“Origin has disclosed virtually no information about the risks for shareholders if they reject BG’s offer and retain their shares,” Chapman said.

“There is scant detail on the company’s development plans, it is silent on the capital requirements and fails to specify the considerable risks inherent in the as-yet undefined alternative.

“Furthermore, Origin has acknowledged that it lacks the necessary LNG development, marketing and operating skills.”

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