minister announces national operator to monitor sector

The government intends to create a body for the fuel sector to ensure that changes in prices are, in fact, passed on to the final consumer, announced this Monday (30) the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, during a sector event in Minas Gerais. “We need to be sure that, every time Petrobras or any supplier or importer lowers the price at the refinery, this reduction reaches the end consumer at gas stations,” stated Silveira.

According to the minister, the National Fuel Distribution System Operator will work along the same lines as the National Electric System Operator (ONS) which, according to him, is a global reference in the sector.

The idea is to combat adulteration, tax evasion and ensure supply, with complete control of the fuel distribution system, acting in addition to the National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP). “He will be a supervisor and have a global view of the system,” he added.

The model to be adopted for the body is that of a private entity with government participation and shared management, such as an autarchy. The proposal will be the basis for a bill to be sent to the national Congress.

Minister praises Petrobrás for “Brazilianizing” fuel prices

During the meeting, which was attended by the president of Petrobras, Jean Paul Prates, the president of the Federation of Industries of the State of Minas Gerais (Fiemg), Flávio Roscoe, Silveira thanked Petrobras for “Brazilianizing” fuel prices, “flattening” the Brazil cost, improving competitiveness and benefiting the consumer”.

The prices of these inputs, highlighted Silveira, are approximately 30% lower than those practiced under the previous government, and “without the volatility that the previous pricing policy” imposed. “We put an end to volatility. The freight driver left a factory and when he arrived at the end point he didn’t know if he was profitable on the freight, because the volatility was almost daily.”

The minister highlighted the need for consistent policies and greater legal security for the Brazilian State and for companies that invest in Brazil. “We need to advance on fundamental issues to generate an environment favorable to the development and perpetuation of suppliers of local goods and services. And we have already started to advance on issues related to financing, taxation, technology generation and transfer, competition on equal terms with international competitors, among other points”, he reinforced.

The increase in the percentage of biodiesel in diesel from 10% to 12% in 2023 and to 15% in 2026 was highlighted by the minister. According to him, the MME is also studying an increase in the percentage of anhydrous ethanol in gasoline, from 27% to 30%. The change is part of a proposal in the Future Fuel Law project, recently sent by the government to the National Congress.