1. Independent development ratio

Japan's independent development ratio of oil and natural gas is defined as the share of the offtake amount of oil and natural gas under the control of Japanese enterprises (including domestic production) out of the total amount of imported and domestically-produced oil and natural gas.

As this country is largely dependent on imports from abroad for its oil and natural gas, it is vital that it secures a diversity of supply channels. To this end, since the formulation of the Sixth Strategic Energy Plan (a Cabinet Decision was made in October 2021), Japan has been supporting its enterprises to increase the current independent development ratio in the country for both oil and natural gas (including domestic production) to over 50% in 2030 and 60% in 2040.

2. Factor analysis

The FY2020 independent development ratio of oil and natural gas in Japan showed an increase by 5.9% from the previous year. This was greatly influenced by a decrease in crude oil and natural gas imports associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, the expansion of participating drilling areas, increased production in several oil and gas fields, and other factors might have resulted in an increase in the offtake amount of oil and natural gas by Japanese enterprises.

■しかく Changes in Japan's independent development ratios of oil and natural gas since FY2009

* Offtake amount of natural gas is the crude oil equivalent.

■しかく Changes in Japan's independent development ratios of oil and natural gas since FY1973

Division in Charge

Petroleum and Natural Gas Division, Natural Resources and Fuel Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy