A pullback by U.S. energy companies from Asia is opening the door for competitors looking to snap up unwanted oil and gas assets in the region. U.S. producers are facing pressure to cut spending, reduce exposure overseas and focus on the domestic market, where oil production is forecast to reach the highest in 45 years in 2015. Apache Corp. (APA) and Murphy Oil Corp. (MUR) are among companies in disposal mode this year in the Asia-Pacific region. “The American companies in particular are struggling to continue to invest in the Asian economies,” David Knox, chief executive officer of Santos Ltd., said today in a Bloomberg Television interview in Brisbane before this weekend’s Group of 20 summit. “Their capital is being forced back home. That opens up opportunities for players like us who are committed to Asia.” Apache is looking to sell its interest in an Australian liquefied natural gas […]