Deputies want minister to explain Petrobras price policy

The deputies of the Mines and Energy Commission of the Chamber of Deputies approved, on Wednesday (2), a request for Minister Alexandre Silveira, of Mines and Energy, to explain the new fuel price policy adopted by Petrobras.

The request as an invitation, which does not oblige you to attend, was proposed by deputies Filipe Barros (PL/PR) and Danilo Forte (União Brasil/CE) and occurs at a delicate moment for the state-owned company and a crisis with the government.

Petrobras is holding back the readjustment of prices that already have a lag compared to the international market – 20% to 30% of Brazilian fuels are imported. According to the Brazilian Association of Fuel Importers (Abicom), gasoline is, on average, 19% below par, and diesel at -22% (see report).

On the other hand, the price of a barrel of oil is above US$ 85, which puts pressure on the state-owned company’s accounts.

Last Monday (31), Petrobras recognized that it analyzes the evolution of prices in the international market and does not rule out carrying out readjustments in fuels. Two days later, Silveira participated in a meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and with the state representative, Jean Paul Prates, to discuss future investments by the company.

Officially, the readjustment of gasoline and diesel was not discussed.