Petrobras will reduce the price of natural gas and the Federal Government seeks to expand national production through investments in the pre-salt layer

Petrobras announces an 8,1% reduction in the price of natural gas

Petrobras communicated on Monday (17) a new reduction in the price of natural gas for distributors, which will take effect from May 1. The fall of 8,1% in the value of the product is related to the moving quarter of February, March and April, a period in which the price of a barrel of Brent oil, a reference in the international market, decreased by 8,7%.

Despite this, there was a slight exchange rate devaluation of 1,1%. With this new adjustment, Petrobras accumulates a 19% reduction in the price of gas in 2023.

Federal Government studies expansion of gas pipelines and natural gas production in the country

The federal government reviews the possibility of using pre-salt resources to finance the expansion of gas pipelines and increase the supply of natural gas in the national territory. The president of Petrobras, Jean Paul Prates, commented on the price reduction during an event at the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp):

“I want to take the opportunity to share some good news. We, today, are practicing prices of the order, average, of US$ 10,5. Until May 1st, it is our commitment, I already announced it here, to lower this price to levels of US$ 9,75, US$ 12 in the maximum range.”

Impact of reduction on the market and comparison with other fuels

Since taking over the presidency of Petrobras in January, Jean Paul Prates has promoted reductions in the average price of natural gas by around 20%. Upon arrival on May 1st, the price will be 20% lower than in January.

Valecard, a consultancy that works with 25 commercial establishments throughout Brazil, informed that, in the last week, the average price of gasoline rose 0,18%, reaching R$ 5,735; hydrated ethanol also increased by 0,63%; and only diesel oil S10, with 10% of biodiesel mixture, registered a decrease, of 0,25%.

The reduction in the price of natural gas and the Federal Government's efforts to expand the production and supply of this product in the country can bring economic and environmental benefits. In addition, the expansion of the gas pipeline network can contribute to the development of new markets and to the diversification of the Brazilian energy matrix.

With these measures, the Federal Government and Petrobras demonstrate their commitment to promoting the sector's competitiveness and guaranteeing access to natural gas at more affordable prices for the population and industry.