Petrobras backs down and keeps gasoline price
Petrobras decided not to apply the R$ 0.19 per liter adjustment to gasoline sold at its refineries. The announcement had been made on Wednesday night, but the state-owned company backed down and withdrew the increase the following day. As a result, the sale price to distributors remains without the hike that had been announced.
What motivated the decision
The pullback comes after the federal government expanded subsidies and tax exemptions on fuels. The measure seeks to contain price increases and ease inflation. Petrobras had announced the adjustment in the same period in which the government was expanding these tax benefits, but decided to reverse course.
Effect at the pumps
With the adjustment withdrawn, the expectation is that the reduction provided by federal subsidies will reach consumers more strongly. Industry estimates indicate that gasoline at the pumps could become up to 2% cheaper. The pass-through, however, is not immediate and depends on inventories, margins and regional competition.
Scenario and next steps
The decision comes amid volatility in oil prices on the international market and pressure for lower prices. Petrobras follows a pricing policy aligned with global quotations and the exchange rate. So far, there is no indication of new adjustments. The sector is monitoring the next movements of the dollar and the barrel, which could influence future decisions.