Is Petrobras’ CPI On International Price Parity a Political Move? See What Experts Say About Bolsonaro Requesting an Investigation Into Fuel Prices

After The Resignation Of The President Of Petrobras, Tempers Are High And Bolsonaro Calls For An Investigation Into Fuel Prices

This week started off quietly on the national scene with the announcement of José Mauro Coelho’s resignation from the position of president of Petrobras. Fernando Borges temporarily assumed the role as interim president, but tempers have not calmed down, and the president of the republic, Jair Bolsonaro, is requesting an investigation into the International Pricing Policy implemented by the state-owned company through a CPI (Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry). The objective would be to investigate the company’s management regarding the recent fuel price hikes.

Arthur Lira, the current president of the Chamber of Deputies, stated that he is also in favor of the investigation and that signatures for the opening of the investigation are already being collected. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has already requested clarifications from Petrobras regarding the most recent price increase. Learn more about these analyses in today’s article.

Follow The Debate And The Points Made By The Experts Of Jovem Pan In The Video Below About The CPI Of Petrobras

During The Debate At Jovem Pan, Some Experts Claim That The CPI May Not Have Any Outcome And It Would Be A Political Move

The debate held among experts by Jovem Pan brought opinions regarding Bolsonaro’s insistence on pursuing the CPI of Petrobras. Some claimed that this investigation could be useless and may be a political move by the government to avoid its negative image due to rising fuel prices.

However, others stated that it would have been more beneficial for Bolsonaro to reinforce his discourse that the government did everything within its reach to control prices, rather than requesting the opening of a CPI. With the insistence on the investigation, according to the experts, the president would be creating a pretext for the opposition to judge him as having some responsibility for the fuel price hike.

Bolsonaro Appointed The Leaders Of The State-Owned Company To The Position, But Nevertheless, After The Constant Price Increases, Desires The Investigation By The CPI

In a statement to one of his supporters this Tuesday (21), Bolsonaro indicated that he is in favor of a CPI to investigate the leaders of Petrobras. According to him, the increase in fuel prices is an abuse and should be examined by a committee.

“Leader Altineu has already presented a request for a CPI, from the Liberal Party. Each party is convinced in its own way; leaders will talk to their deputies to give backing or not to this request. And CPI is lawful and normal as structured by any deputy or any party”

Arthur Lira, President of the Chamber of Deputies (2022) in a statement to the press

Furthermore, the federal government leadership is seeking to curb the increase of profits and dividends obtained by the state-owned company and its main shareholders at a time of inflation we are experiencing. Thus, it is expected that Petrobras will hold back cost increases or justify them.

President Of The Senate Seeks Alternative Proposal To Curb Price Increases On Fuel Based On Petrobras Dividends

On Tuesday (21), a meeting with the main leaders of the benches was held to discuss the opening and organization for the CPI of Petrobras. Arthur Lira made moves in favor of the CPI of Petrobras, while Senator Rodrigo Pacheco, who was also present, put forth a new proposal.

This proposal would aim to use, among other sources, the dividends obtained from the state-owned company, of which the Union is the largest shareholder, to create a stabilization fund to soften the impact of price variability in fuel. However, this scenario will likely lead to a significant battle. Let us wait for the next chapters.