Brazil Warns Of Energy Crisis

(Reuters, 1.Sep.2021) — Brazil’s Mines and Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque is warning that the country’s energy crisis is worse than previously thought, as a record drought hampers hydropower generation. In a televised national address on Tuesday, preempting the nightly news, Albuquerque said the crisis had deepened, with water reserves at […]

Drought May Force Brazil To Ration Power

(Reuters, 1.Sep.2021) — Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourao said on Wednesday a severe drought could lead to energy rationing in Brazil, contradicting other officials who have said that such a step would not be necessary. Brazil, one of the world’s agricultural superpowers, is suffering from one of its worst droughts […]

Brazil Looks To Smooth Impact Of Oil Price Spikes

(Reuters, 6.Jan.2020) — Brazil’s government is working on a policy to reduce the local impact of spikes in international oil prices, officials said on Monday, reviving questions about the state oil firm’s independence in setting fuel prices. Mines and Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque told reporters the government will not create […]

TOR Record R$70bn Bonuses

(ANP, 6.Nov.2019) — The Transfer of Rights Surplus Bidding Round, held today (November 6) by ANP, had two of the four areas on offer acquired (Búzios and Itapu), generating R$ 69.96 billion in signature bonus. This amount is a record and represents a value higher than the sum of all […]

What A Mammoth Oil Auction Means for Brazil

(Americas Quarterly, Naki Mendoza, 5.Nov.2019) — A pre-salt auction 20 years in the making could have broad repercussions for the economy and Jair Bolsonaro’s government. Since its first pre-salt auction in 2013, Brazil has grown accustomed to blockbuster oil deals. But the upcoming Nov. 6 auction of prime offshore acreage […]

Brazil Approves Natgas Market Overhaul

(Reuters, 24.Jun.2019) — Brazil’s energy policy council on Monday approved a plan to overhaul the domestic natural gas market, with the country’s Mines and Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque saying that the move would bring down gas prices within two to three years. Speaking alongside Albuquerque, Economy Minister Paulo Guedes offered […]