Petrobras in the crosshairs as election run-off looms
Ballot box verdict could prove existential for the NOC, amid controversial calls from the incumbent to break apart the Brazilian energy giant
Brazilian state oil and gas firm Petrobras marked its 69th birthday in early October. But the NOC’s future as a state entity may depend on the outcome of the second round of elections pitting incumbent Jair Bolsonaro against former president Lula da Silva. Throughout the election campaign, Bolsonaro has repeatedly flirted with market intervention and threatened to privatise the state juggernaut as early as next year should he win re-election. Bolsonaro’s argument, backed by economy minister Paulo Guedes, is that breaking Petrobras’ monopoly will lower domestic fuel prices. Importantly, it would also take the political pressure off the government. Since taking office, Bolsonaro has sacked and

Also in this section
28 March 2025
The Central Asian country is positioning itself as a low-carbon leader, but antiquated infrastructure and a dependence on Russia are holding it back
28 March 2025
MCEDD 2025 took place in Madrid this week with record attendance and a wide-ranging programme, reflecting the deepwater sector’s renewed momentum, strategic focus and accelerating technological innovation.
27 March 2025
Awards celebrate global innovation, leadership and achievement across the energy sector’s people, projects, technologies and companies.
26 March 2025
Well-functioning democracies are required for healthier economies and a thriving oil industry