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
29 April 2026
Trafigura’s $1b prepayment agreement confirms African resource holders’ renewed interest in oil-backed financing deals as they look to capitalise on high oil prices
29 April 2026
The UAE’s departure from the oil producers’ group was a surprise to many, but the move can be traced back to a single point five years ago
28 April 2026
Oil traders warning of $200/bl oil are wrong, and the market should be wary of proclamations that the impact of the oil shortage has only begun to be felt and a that a ‘harsh adjustment’ is coming—even for industrialised nations
28 April 2026
Restoring supply from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq involves complexities far beyond simply adjusting operational controls






