Petrobras Says Gas Imports Will Remain Essential for Brazil’s Supply

Petrobras expects natural gas imports to remain essential for ensuring Brazil’s supply in the coming years, even as domestic production is projected to expand. The assessment was made by the company’s Executive Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability, Angélica Laureano, in an interview with BNamericas.

According to Laureano, national production growth has been uneven across producing hubs, meaning that imported gas will continue to play a key role in balancing supply. “While we are increasing production in some areas, there has been a decline in others,” she explained.

New projects expected to strengthen domestic supply

Laureano highlighted that Brazil will have a more robust portfolio of domestically sourced gas with the start-up of major offshore projects. The Raia field, scheduled to begin operations in 2028, and the Sergipe Deep Waters Phase II project (SEAP II), expected to start in 2030, should significantly boost domestic output.

Currently, the Rota 3 pipeline — which began operating in 2024 — has been critical in offsetting reduced external supply, particularly from Bolivia. Brazil now receives between 10 and 12 million m³/day of Bolivian gas, far below the more than 30 million m³/day imported previously.

Rota 3 added around 18 million m³/day to the domestic market. The Raia and SEAP II projects are expected to add a further 25 million m³/day in combined capacity. In comparison, SEAP I is projected to contribute 9 million m³/day, although it does not yet have a confirmed start date.

Interest in Argentine gas depends on economic feasibility

Laureano also stated that Petrobras remains interested in importing Argentine gas whenever there is economic and logistical viability. However, she said that Argentina still lacks the infrastructure needed to ensure a firm, continuous supply.

“Today, this is not possible consistently. There is no logistics in Argentina that ensures this type of supply,” she said, citing LNG imports and transportation via Bolivia’s gas pipeline infrastructure as alternatives under evaluation. Another long-term option is a route through Uruguaiana.

In November, Brazil’s oil regulator ANP authorized Petrobras to import up to 180 million m³/day of Argentine gas over two years. Transport will be carried out through the Bolivia–Brazil Gas Pipeline (Gasbol), with delivery points in Mato Grosso do Sul. The first import of unconventional gas from the Vaca Muerta region took place recently in partnership with Pluspetrol.

Production and demand set to grow through 2035

According to the 2035 Ten-Year Energy Expansion Plan (PDE 2035), developed by the Energy Research Office (EPE), domestic natural gas production is expected to grow 95% over the next decade, rising from 65 million m³/day to 127 million m³/day.

Available domestic supply in the integrated network could increase by around 85%, with domestic production accounting for roughly 70% of the total supply. The study also projects a gradual decline in Bolivian gas supply, from 13 million m³/day in 2025 to 5 million m³/day by 2035.

Import infrastructure will remain relevant, supported by eight operational LNG terminals and one planned terminal in Suape (PE), reinforcing supply security.

Industrial consumption to drive demand growth

EPE forecasts total natural gas demand to grow an average of 6.2% per year, driven mainly by the industrial sector, which accounts for around 65% of non-thermoelectric demand.

The commercial (+5.3% per year), residential (+4.1%), and transportation (+3.6%) sectors are also expected to expand. The downstream segment — including refineries and fertilizer plants — should grow 5.36% annually, with more substantial gains in the early years.

Demand for thermal power generation will reflect the expansion of Brazil’s energy matrix, supported by new capacity-reserve auctions, reinforcing the strategic role of natural gas in the country’s energy security.

Source: O Petróleo

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