Petrobras Considers Opening Bidding for Reactivating Fertilizer Plants in Bahia and Sergipe, Facilities Have Been Idle Since 2023

Written by Bruno Teles

Published on 17/04/2025 at 11:34

Updated on 17/04/2025 at 16:46

Petrobras pode retomar fábricas de fertilizantes na Bahia e em Sergipe com nova operadora

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State-Owned Company Studies Opening Bidding to Reactivate Units Halted Since 2023 and Reduce External Dependency in the Sector.

Petrobras is considering launching a bidding process to hire a new company responsible for operating its fertilizer plants in Bahia and Sergipe. The units, currently leased to Unigel, have been idle since 2023. The goal of Petrobras is to resume the production of nitrogen fertilizers, strengthening national autonomy in a strategic sector for agribusiness.

This topic will be discussed this Thursday (18) in a meeting of the new board of the state-owned company, formed after a general shareholders’ meeting held this week.

Petrobras Plants Have Been Halted Since 2023

The fertilizer plants of Petrobras in Bahia and Sergipe were leased to Unigel in 2019 for a period of 10 years. However, both units halted operations in 2023. Unigel claimed that high natural gas costs made production unfeasible.

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Petrobras Wants to Expand the Supply of National Fertilizers

In assessing the resumption of the fertilizer plants of Petrobras in Bahia and Sergipe, the current plan is to open a bidding process. This will allow companies with experience in the sector to compete for the operation of the units, with transparency and efficiency. Unigel, the current lessee, will also be able to participate.

A previous attempt to resume operations through a direct contract with Unigel was discarded after internal objections on the board and the risk of breaching governance rules. The TCU has already pointed out a risk of a loss of R$ 487 million if this agreement went ahead.

Fertilizers Are Strategic for National Sovereignty

The investment in the reactivation of the plants is strategic for Brazil, which is the fourth largest agricultural producer in the world, but still relies heavily on imported fertilizers, especially from Russia, Canada, and China.

The fertilizer plants of Petrobras in Bahia and Sergipe produce urea, ammonia, and other basic inputs for agriculture. The resumption may reduce costs for producers and increase the competitiveness of national production.

Expectation Is for a Decision in the Coming Weeks

Petrobras is still evaluating the legal and operational options to launch the bidding notice. If approved, the measure could enable the return of production as early as 2025. The federal government is closely monitoring the process, which aligns with the plan for the resumption of industrialization and energy sovereignty in the country.

The decision may also end a series of disputes with Unigel, which is currently engaged in arbitration processes related to the lease contract with Petrobras.

Petrobras Considers Opening Bidding for Reactivating Fertilizer Plants in Bahia and Sergipe, Facilities Have Been Idle Since 2023

State-Owned Company Studies Opening Bidding to Reactivate Units Halted Since 2023 and Reduce External Dependency in the Sector.

Petrobras Plants Have Been Halted Since 2023

Petrobras Wants to Expand the Supply of National Fertilizers

Fertilizers Are Strategic for National Sovereignty

Expectation Is for a Decision in the Coming Weeks

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Petrobras Considers Opening Bidding for Reactivating Fertilizer Plants in Bahia and Sergipe, Facilities Have Been Idle Since 2023

State-Owned Company Studies Opening Bidding to Reactivate Units Halted Since 2023 and Reduce External Dependency in the Sector.

Petrobras Plants Have Been Halted Since 2023

Petrobras Wants to Expand the Supply of National Fertilizers

Fertilizers Are Strategic for National Sovereignty

Expectation Is for a Decision in the Coming Weeks

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