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Record Production Reinforces Brazil’s Role as a Global Crude Oil Exporter, but Maintains the Structural Refining Challenge at the Center of National Energy Strategy
Over the past consolidated year, Brazil significantly increased its oil and gas production, thereby strengthening its position in the international energy market.
The average production reached 4.89 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, according to data released by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).
This volume represents a 13.2% increase compared to the previous year and confirms one of the sector’s largest recent advances.
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At the same time, exclusive oil production reached 3.7 million barrels per day, with a 12% increase over the previous period.
Consequently, 51% of this total went to the external market.
Technical Review Points to Structural Contradiction in the Sector
The analysis was presented on June 23, 2025, by the Institute for Strategic Studies of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (Ineep) and has garnered attention in the energy sector.
According to the 9th Production and Exploration Bulletin for Oil and Gas, Brazil is increasing production while simultaneously maintaining dependence on imported derivatives.
This dynamic reveals a structural contradiction, as although it exports crude oil on a large scale, the country still relies on refined fuels acquired from abroad.
Furthermore, Ineep highlights that increasing refining capacity becomes strategic to ensure greater self-sufficiency and to add value to oil produced domestically.
Exports Lead Trade Agenda for the Second Year
Crude oil led Brazil’s export agenda for the second consecutive year, surpassing traditional products like soybeans and iron ore.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, the average production was 3.94 million barrels per day, and of that volume, 2.07 million were exported.
This means that 52.4% of the oil produced during the period was destined for the external market, according to data consolidated by the ANP.
Throughout the year, exports reached 28 destinations, with China absorbing 45% of the exported volume.
Following in order are the United States with 10.8%, Spain with 7.4%, the Netherlands with 7%, and India with 4.4%, demonstrating strong concentration in strategic markets.
Expansion of Natural Gas and Pre-Salt Leadership
At the same time, natural gas production grew by 16.9% in 2025.
As a result, the volume reached 1.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.
New platforms commenced operation, and existing units also increased their production.
The pre-salt maintained its prominence, recording a growth of 15.1%.
Thus, it accounted for 79.6% of the national oil and gas production.
Meanwhile, offshore production outside the pre-salt grew by 7% and represented 15.4% of the total.
Onshore production advanced by 4.1% and reached 4.9% of the national share.
Santos Basin Leads National Production
In the fourth quarter of 2025, the Santos Basin accounted for 78.2% of national production.
The average was close to 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Thus, the region sustained the sector’s record advance.
For the annual consolidated data, Petrobras operated 89.9% of the national oil and gas production.
Additionally, as a concessionaire, it accounted for 63.4% of total production.
Therefore, the state-owned company maintained a strategic role in Brazil’s productive structure.
Given this scenario, Brazil amplifies its relevance as a crude oil exporter while simultaneously facing the challenge of strengthening national refining, which should be the priority of energy policy in the coming years?
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