Tokyo Gas to Invest in US Downstream Assets to Drive Growth

Core Viewpoint - Tokyo Gas Co., Japan's largest fuel distributor, plans to invest in US downstream assets to enhance earnings and strengthen its energy supply chain [1][2]. Investment Strategy - The company aims to deploy capital in liquefaction plants, export terminals, and the energy services sector to increase profitability [2]. - Tokyo Gas has allocated 350 billion yen ($2.2 billion) for overseas investments over the next three years starting from fiscal 2026, although specific amounts for US downstream expansion were not disclosed [4]. Market Context - The planned expansion in the US coincides with a shift in US energy policy under President Donald Trump, which favors fossil fuels and responds to increased power demand from artificial intelligence and data centers [3]. Recent Acquisitions - Tokyo Gas' US subsidiary acquired Rockcliff Energy II LLC, a Texas natural-gas producer, for approximately $2.7 billion in late 2023 and also purchased a stake in Arm Energy Trading LLC in 2024 [5]. Shareholder Influence - The company attracted attention after Elliott Investment Management disclosed a 5% stake, pressuring Tokyo Gas to divest parts of its real estate portfolio to enhance shareholder value [6]. Future Asset Management - Tokyo Gas has identified target assets for potential sale but has not specified which properties will be divested, while retaining real estate that supports its core energy business [7].