Petrobras Considers Billion-Dollar Sale of Onshore Fields in Bahia, Causing Crisis with Union

Written by Carla Teles

Published on 07/07/2025 at 13:39

Perfuração do poço 7-TQ-240D-BA, que está localizado no campo de Taquipe, em São Sebastião do Passé. Imagem: Agência Petrobras

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President Magda Chambriard Confirms That the Sale of the Bahia Terra Polo Is Under Review, Provoking a Strong Reaction from the Unique Federation of Oil Workers (FUP), Which Promises to Trigger the Government.

The Petrobras surprised the market by admitting that it is reviewing the sale of the Bahia Terra Polo, a strategic set of 28 onshore fields in the state. The statement from the company’s president, Magda Chambriard, was the spark for an immediate reaction from the category’s union, which classified the possibility as “unacceptable” and is already seeking political support to block the negotiation.

The Future of the Bahia Terra Polo Under Review by Petrobras

The new management of Petrobras has put three scenarios on the table for the future of the Bahia Terra Polo. The options under consideration are: keeping the polo under its operation, outsourcing the activities, or indeed, completely selling the asset. The main reason for Petrobras to consider the sale is the low financial return that these fields offer, especially when compared to the high productivity of pre-salt wells.

History of the Attempt to Sell the Asset

The possible sale is not a new development. During the previous government, Petrobras attempted to dispose of the asset and received a significant offer of US$ 1.5 billion. However, the deal did not go forward because the state company was not convinced of the consortium’s payment capability. The process, which involved a legal dispute and the ANP’s interdiction, was finally canceled in 2023, with Petrobras resuming production in early 2024.

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The Firm Response from the Unique Federation of Oil Workers (FUP)

The union’s reaction was immediate and strong. The general coordinator of the Unique Federation of Oil Workers (FUP), Dayvid Bacelar, classified the president of Petrobras‘ statement as “extremely unfortunate” and “unacceptable”. He highlighted the negative impact of previous privatizations, which led to the transfer of thousands of workers from Bahia.

Union Seeks Government Support to Block the Sale

Dayvid Bacelar emphasized that the workers, many of whom rrecently returned to Bahia, cannot be treated as &#8220 toys”. In light of the threat, the FUP has already defined its strategy: it will seek direct support from President Lula and the Ministry of Mines and Energy to ensure that any sale plan for the Bahia Terra Polo is definitively blocked.

Petrobras Considers Billion-Dollar Sale of Onshore Fields in Bahia, Causing Crisis with Union

President Magda Chambriard Confirms That the Sale of the Bahia Terra Polo Is Under Review, Provoking a Strong Reaction from the Unique Federation of Oil Workers (FUP), Which Promises to Trigger the Government.

The Future of the Bahia Terra Polo Under Review by Petrobras

History of the Attempt to Sell the Asset

The Firm Response from the Unique Federation of Oil Workers (FUP)

Union Seeks Government Support to Block the Sale

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Petrobras Considers Billion-Dollar Sale of Onshore Fields in Bahia, Causing Crisis with Union

President Magda Chambriard Confirms That the Sale of the Bahia Terra Polo Is Under Review, Provoking a Strong Reaction from the Unique Federation of Oil Workers (FUP), Which Promises to Trigger the Government.

The Future of the Bahia Terra Polo Under Review by Petrobras

History of the Attempt to Sell the Asset

The Firm Response from the Unique Federation of Oil Workers (FUP)

Union Seeks Government Support to Block the Sale

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