What did Woodside CEO Liz Westcott say about Woodside's potential response to Inpex's bid for PetroChina's Browse gas stake?

Woodside CEO Liz Westcott stated that the company 'will absolutely assess pre-emption, as we do actually every time, and all companies do,' confirming Woodside will consider matching Inpex's offer for PetroChina’s 10.67% stake in the Browse gas fields. She emphasized this is standard practice and noted Woodside has not yet held discussions with Inpex but looks forward to doing so, calling Inpex 'an established operator in Australia' with 'a lot of activity in Australia.'

What is the significance of the Browse gas project, and who are its current joint venture partners?

The Browse gas project is described as 'Australia’s largest undeveloped gas resource' and is earmarked as backfill for the North West Shelf LNG facility in Western Australia; its delayed development is expected to cost A$48.7 billion ($35 billion), including carbon capture. The current joint venture partners are Woodside Energy (operator), BP (which holds the largest stake after acquiring Shell’s interest in 2023), and Japan LNG — a joint venture between Mitsui and Mitsubishi.

Woodside to Consider Matching Inpex's Bid for PetroChina's Browse Gas Stake

May 19, 2026

Woodside Energy may match Inpex's offer to acquire PetroChina's 10.67% stake in Australia's Browse gas fields, a key resource for the North West Shelf LNG facility. The transaction requires regulatory approval and joint venture partner consent.

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