Japex plans US shale investments
Japanese explorer sees opportunities to expand its footprint
Japanese state-backed oil producer Japex plans to invest around $500mn over 2022-24 to develop shale oil in the southern US. The funds will go towards both the company’s existing asset in Texas “and interests to be acquired later this year”. “Acquisition of new overseas oil and gas interests” is one of Japex’s “key priorities”, the company said in its 2022-30 management plan, published in March. And for those acquisitions, “shale formation development in North America is a priority focus area”, the company now confirms, arguing such acquisitions will be cash-generative “early” and that the company “can leverage our experience and expertise in this area”. The Japanese firm has held a stake in
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices






