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Deloitte’s global report places AI in oil and gas 2026 at the center of operators’ efficiency agenda, alongside decarbonization, mature asset optimization, and renewable fuels, in a scenario of narrow margins and increasing climate pressure during the energy transition.
Deloitte released its global study, 2026 Oil & Gas Outlook. According to the consultancy, AI in oil and gas 2026 will be the main driver of efficiency in the sector, alongside decarbonization.
Therefore, the survey indicates a structural shift. Published on February 10, 2026, the study was released by Agência Cenário Energia.
Furthermore, the industry is entering a new phase of transformation. It is marked by the convergence of technological innovation, pressure for efficiency, and acceleration of the energy transition.
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Thus, the scenario is one of narrower margins. There is also increasing competition for capital.
AI in oil and gas 2026 takes center stage in operators’ strategy
According to the Deloitte study, companies are directing resources towards AI and generative AI (GenAI) solutions.
Therefore, the focus is on practical applications. They need to increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance the reliability of production systems.
More than experimental bets, AI in oil and gas 2026 is taking on a central role in the strategy of major operators.
In this way, digitalization is no longer just a differential. It becomes a structural necessity to ensure profitability and safety.
Predictive maintenance reduces failures by up to 40% and generates US$10 million/year in savings
In addition, the study shows that the adoption of digital technologies is already producing measurable results. Solutions such as predictive maintenance, sensors, drones, and robotics have enabled companies to reduce equipment failures by up to 40%.
Consequently, these same companies generated savings of around US$10 million per year.
Therefore, Deloitte projects that AI in oil and gas 2026 will guide sector efficiency. Predictive maintenance, drones, and robotics reduce failures by up to 40% and generate US$10 million/year in savings.
These gains become even more relevant. After all, the sector is capital-intensive, with highly complex assets such as offshore platforms, refineries, and gas pipelines.
Thus, the ability to anticipate failures directly impacts availability, operational safety, and return on investment. For a broader view, see how robots are taking over dangerous inspections on oil and gas platforms.
Areas of AI application in the oil and gas sector
According to the consultancy, AI is being applied on multiple fronts. These include reservoir simulation and drilling optimization.
In addition, there is demand forecasting, risk management, and administrative automation. These uses reduce indirect costs and increase organizational efficiency.
Brazilian reserves grow, but production falls 1% in 2024
On the other hand, the Brazilian context reinforces the efficiency narrative. ANP yearbook data indicates that the country ended 2024 with total reserves of 29.2 billion barrels of oil, a 6% increase.
Natural gas reserves also advanced. They totaled 740.5 billion cubic meters, up 5.1%.
However, production showed a slight retraction. In 2024, the average volume fell 1%, to 3.4 million barrels per day.
This reflects both operational issues and a more volatile global environment. There are also supply and demand adjustments. It is worth remembering that Petrobras continues to advance in the Equatorial Margin to try to replenish reserves.
Future Fuels Law boosts biomethane, SAF, and biodiesel
In addition to digitalization, the report highlights the energy transition. It is consolidating as a strategic axis for the sector’s resilience.
Thus, Brazil’s Future Fuels Law created regulatory incentives. It expands the use of biomethane, ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Therefore, new business fronts are opening up for companies traditionally associated with fossil fuels.
The numbers already reflect this movement. According to the ANP, biodiesel production grew 20.4% in 2024. Meanwhile, ethanol advanced 4.2%, reaching 37 billion liters.
Therefore, Deloitte assesses that Brazil is in a privileged position. The combination of agricultural capacity, industrial base, and regulatory framework favors leadership in renewable fuels.
AI adoption in Brazil is still decentralized
Even with the potential highlighted, Deloitte makes an important caveat. In Brazil, the adoption of AI in oil and gas 2026 still occurs in a decentralized manner, company by company.
That is, there is no coordinated strategy at the sectoral level. On the other hand, in the United States, there are structured initiatives.
There, there is integration between companies, universities, and technology providers. There is also a greater scale of investments.
For Deloitte, public policies, regulatory frameworks, and economic incentives can accelerate the incorporation of these technologies in the country.
Three vectors will define the future of the sector
According to the consultancy, the future of the industry will be defined by three vectors. These are technological innovation, operational efficiency, and integration with decarbonization.
Thus, companies that combine these elements tend to preserve competitiveness. This holds true even in an environment of slower growth and greater pressure for sustainability.
More than an abrupt transition, the study points to a gradual process. The sector is moving from being solely a supplier of fossil fuels to acting as a diversified energy platform.
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