Exploration for and evaluation of oil and natural gas resources (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Exploration For And Evaluation Of Mineral Resources [Abstract]

Detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets

			$ million
	2023	2022	2021
Exploration and evaluation costs
Exploration expenditure written off	746	385	167
Other exploration costs	251	200	257
Exploration expense for the year	997	585	424
Impairment losses	20	2	1
Intangible assets – exploration and appraisal expenditurea	4,328	4,213	4,289
Liabilities	109	88	98
Net assets	4,219	4,125	4,191
Cash used in operating activities	251	200	257
Cash used in investing activities	1,039	909	369

aAmount capitalized at 31 December 2023, 2022 and 2021 relates to assets in various regions. The largest of these is approximately $600 million capitalized in the Middle East region (2022 approximately $600 million and 2021 approximately $700 million and capitalized in the Middle East region).