After years of focusing on U.S. shale, Chevron Corp CVX.N is staking its natural gas future on the Middle East, a volatile and divided region where energy majors have long tread warily. CEO Michael Wirth’s pivot away from home is underpinned by a bet that the Middle East is entering an era of reconciliation that will make it ideal for tapping natural gas, as demand for the cheaper and cleaner fuel is forecast to outstrip oil. The new strategy is seeing the company pitch new gas deals in Egypt, Israel, Qatar, while cutting spending on American shale exploration. The plan is anchored by Wirth’s $11.8 billion purchase this month of U.S.-based […]