Brazil finding the balance
The country faces key downstream and infrastructure challenges
Efforts to reform Brazil's downstream fuels market illustrate the tension between trying to move away from over-arching state control, but also placate a populace angry after corruption scandals and economic austerity. Under existing law, Petrobras plays the role of the country's sole supplier, but this no longer reflects the on-the-ground reality. Nor is it the part the company, which is actively looking for partnerships at some of its refineries, is keen to play. The supreme federal court is, though, taking a keen interest in the legality of any potential partnership. It's estimated that, to meet Brazil's fuels demand in 2030, an investment of over $10bn in downstream infrastructure would
Also in this section
24 December 2025
As activity in the US Gulf has stagnated at a lower level, the government is taking steps to encourage fresh exploration and bolster field development work
23 December 2025
The new government has brought stability and security to the country, with the door now open to international investment
23 December 2025
A third wave of LNG supply is coming, and with it a likely oversupply of the fuel by 2028
22 December 2025
Weakening climate resolve in the developed world and rapidly growing demand in developing countries means peak oil is still a long way away
