(Petrobras, 11.Jul.2020) — Petrobras informs that it has decided, preventively, to interrupt supplying a specific imported batch of aviation gasoline after tests carried out at its research center (Cenpes). The company identified that this batch had a different aromatic content compounds than the batches imported until then, although in accordance with the quality requirements demanded by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). Petrobras is examining the hypothesis that the chemical composition variation may have impacted the sealing and coating materials of small aircraft fuel tanks.
Petrobras reinforces that there is still no complete diagnosis to ensure the cause and effect, which requires tracking throughout the national territory. Even so, the company preventively decided to interrupt supplying this batch of gasoline. Additionally, Petrobras informs that all imported batches are within the parameters required by ANP and it has imported product for immediate commercialization, maintaining therefore the supply of product to the market.
The company reinforces that all the products it sells follow international standards. The aviation gasoline sold is previously tested to ensure compliance with the regulatory agency’s specifications. The company will continue cooperating with the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and ANP.
Petrobras has been importing aviation gasoline from major U.S. companies since 2018 from the Gulf of Mexico, when the unit that produced the fuel at the Presidente Bernardes – Cubatão Refinery (RPBC) was shut down. The reform of the production plant was delayed due to the interruption of works caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but production is expected to restart in October 2020.
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