Petrobras Suspends Aviation Gasoline (Avgas) Distribution in Brazil After Detecting Fuel Issues

The Sale of Aviation Gasoline Was Suspended by Petrobras in the Country on Wednesday (3) After BR Distribuidora Detected Adulterated Fuel

Petrobras has proactively suspended the distribution of aviation gasoline (AVGAS) to direct customers and resellers after detecting a parameter of the fuel outside specification limits, the company said on Wednesday.

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Operators Should Seek Workshop

According to the company, the issue was reported to regulatory agencies. The National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) stated that it will assess potential impacts on aviation caused by contamination in the fuel distributed by Petrobras.

“With the information received from the aviation community and the assessment made by ANP [National Agency of Petroleum], ANAC will be able to evaluate potential impacts on general aviation, gasoline, and the fuel itself. If contamination is confirmed that immediately compromises the operation of aircraft, ANAC will act immediately in favor of aviation safety, including resorting to precautionary and emergency measures”, said the agency.

Airlines Will Not Be Affected

Petrobras’ decision does not affect airlines, which use kerosene as fuel. Aviation gasoline is used by small aircraft with piston engines.

“BR is beginning actions to collect the marketed product, return the stored batch, and receive new batches, and has recommended to its direct customers and resellers to take the same measures, in order to restore supply as quickly as possible”, said BR Distribuidora in a  statement, according to the newspaper O Globo.

Petrobras Interrupts Supply

Petrobras has decided to interrupt the supply of a batch of imported aviation gasoline “proactively” after tests conducted at its research center, which also impacted BR Distribuidora and caused the company to temporarily suspend the sale of the product.

In a statement on Saturday, Petrobras said it had identified a batch of the product with “an aromatic compounds content different from that of previously imported batches”, although still within the quality requirements required by the ANP regulator.

“Petrobras is studying the possibility that the variation in chemical composition may have impacted the sealing and coating materials of small aircraft fuel tanks”, the company stated, although it noted that there is still no complete diagnosis that can confirm this cause-and-effect relationship.