Zhong Guo Neng Yuan Wang·2026-02-27 01:53Core Viewpoint - The report highlights the increasing global spending on offshore oil and gas exploration, which is driving a rapid rise in offshore oil and gas reserves and production [1][4]. Group 1: Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Spending - Offshore oil and gas exploration spending significantly declined in 2020 due to the pandemic but has rebounded, surpassing $100 billion in 2022, with expectations to maintain this level in the coming years, indicating a high level of activity in the offshore oil and gas sector [1][4]. - The average annual discovered oil and gas reserves from 2000 to 2010 were 35 billion barrels of oil equivalent, with deepwater discoveries accounting for 30%. From 2011 to 2023, the average annual discovery dropped to 18 billion barrels of oil equivalent, but deepwater discoveries increased to 51% of total discoveries [4]. Group 2: Policy Implications - The Ministry of Finance, Customs, and the State Taxation Administration announced tax incentives for energy resource exploration and development during the 14th Five-Year Plan, including exemptions on import tariffs for essential equipment used in offshore oil and gas exploration [2][3]. - The policy aims to reduce the import costs of offshore oil and gas exploration equipment, enhancing domestic oil and gas supply capabilities and ensuring national energy security [2][3]. Group 3: Investment Recommendations - The tax exemptions on core equipment for offshore exploration are expected to lower procurement costs and improve internal rates of return for projects, particularly in deepwater oil fields. Companies to watch include China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), China Oilfield Services Limited, and CNOOC Development [3][9]. - The mechanism for VAT refunds on imported natural gas will help stabilize costs, especially during periods of high gas prices, making companies like China National Petroleum Corporation and CNOOC attractive for investment [3][9]. Group 4: Natural Gas Supply and Pricing - Natural gas plays a crucial role in China's energy supply, with consumption projected to reach 4,320 billion cubic meters by 2025, and imports are essential despite their higher and more volatile prices [7][8]. - The government has implemented measures to refund VAT on certain imported natural gas, which will help mitigate price fluctuations and stabilize expectations for importers, thereby enhancing energy security [8].