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ANP Closed Refit After Operations Related to the Carbon Chain and Hidden Carbon, Involving Inspection of Fuels, Import of Naphtha, Licenses, Tanks, and Industrial Safety. The Case Exposes Regulatory Measures, Sample Collection, and Possible Irregularities in the Oil and Derivatives Sector
ANP closed the facilities of the Manguinhos Oil Refinery S.A. – under judicial recovery (Refit), located in Rio de Janeiro, on September 26, according to a report published.
The measure came during the unfolding of the Carbon Chain and Hidden Carbon operations, which were conducted in partnership with the Federal Revenue and with the support of the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
The inspection focused on analyzing stocks, movements of fuels, operational integrity, and compliance with current legislation.
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Throughout the investigations, there were indications of rule violations, as well as suspicions related to the import and storage of derivatives.
Therefore, ANP determined that the refinery cease activities related to the closed tanks and confiscated products until further authorization.
Operation Carbon Chain and Fuel Collection
During Operation Carbon Chain, ANP collected over 100 fuel samples, including naphtha, condensate, gasoline, diesel, and N-Methyl-Aniline (NMA) on September 19, 2025.
This survey served to analyze the quality and origin of the products, as well as to verify compliance with regulations.
The initiative involved the direct participation of the Federal Revenue, which was already investigating possible irregularities in the import and use of petroleum derivatives.
During the investigation, breaches of regulatory measures established by ANP were detected.
Among them was the transfer of Refit’s tank space to fuel distributors such as 76 Oil, Manguinhos Distributors, and Rodopetro, contrary to legal determinations.
The verification also raised suspicion of irregular gasoline import declared as “naphtha” or “condensate”, a practice that could change tax assessment and affect the market.
This point raised special attention, as the use of NMA to adjust octane parameters suggested the possibility of artificial formulations intended to alter product characteristics.
The collection and analysis process reinforced ANP’s role in monitoring the fuel market, always linking control to transparency and operational safety.
Import Licenses and ANP Requirements
Another focus of ANP’s inspection was verifying import licenses for naphtha and other inputs used by the refinery.
The Agency notified the company to provide detailed information from the last six months to one year, including product origin, ship names, receipt dates, quality certificates, tanks used, produced derivatives, waste disposal, and invoices.
This measure was taken to ensure that the received products matched what had been declared.
If inconsistencies were identified in the documents or ongoing laboratory analyses, the refinery could be fined with new infraction notices.
This check also aimed to confirm whether Refit was actually carrying out petroleum refining processes, as there were indications of gasoline and diesel imports that were practically ready for commercialization.
To reinforce transparency, ANP determined that all naphtha import license applications should be accompanied by a product analysis certificate.
This procedure has become a rule in the sector, increasing scrutiny on agents operating in the importation of petroleum derivatives.
The requirement was also a response to the risk of misuse of terminology such as “naphtha” or “condensate” to reduce tax burdens.
Industrial Safety and Tank Use at Refit
In the inspection conducted on September 25 and 26, 2025, ANP found numerous irregularities related to industrial safety.
Operational tanks were identified that did not have Agency authorization, as well as units storing products with higher risk than allowed.
Another issue was the absence of evidence of flow control in the process, due to the lack of totalizers and historical records of entry meters in the atmospheric distillation tower.
The inspection also noted that there was no proof that the tower’s temperature would be sufficient to carry out the claimed atmospheric distillation.
Additionally, there was a lack of evidence of the commercialization and use of the light fractions obtained in this process. These factors raised doubts about the actual execution of refining activities within the refinery.
ANP’s actions in this area are directly linked to industrial safety, a critical theme for the oil and gas sector.
The absence of adequate technical controls can pose risks not just to the company’s operation, but also to the supply chain and the environment.
In this scenario, the inspection became even more relevant by uniting document analysis, license verification, and practical verification of field structures.
History of Operations and Measures Adopted by ANP
Since 2023, ANP has been conducting a series of operations to monitor the import and use of products such as methanol and naphtha.
The main objective is to prevent these inputs from being diverted for irregular purposes or marketed without due transparency. Several agents have already had their import authorizations revoked after proving irregularities.
Another measure taken was the suspension of the exclusive activity of fuel formulation. Formulation consists of producing gasoline and diesel oil from the mixing of liquid hydrocarbons, such as naphtha.
This practice, which had previously been authorized for some agents, is being re-evaluated by the Agency in light of the risks of inappropriate use. The continuation of inspections reinforces the importance of ANP’s active presence in the sector.
While requiring more detailed certifications for import licenses, the Agency maintains direct inspections at refineries, increasing checks on stocks, documents, and production processes.
With this set of actions, the aim is to ensure that the fuels and derivatives marketed comply with quality, safety, and taxation standards.
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