ANP approves public consultation on gas release to boost competition

The Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) has unanimously approved a public consultation regarding ‘gas release’. This mechanism is intended as a temporary antitrust remedy to accelerate competition in the natural gas market, which remains highly concentrated. Currently, a single agent controls over 60% of gas commercialization, a figure significantly higher than the 25% threshold typically seen in mature, liberalized markets.

Proponents argue that the measure is not a targeted intervention against Petrobras, but rather a tool to foster a competitive environment following the regulatory milestones established by Law No. 14.134/2021. The goal is to facilitate market entry for new players and stabilize the competitive structure of the sector.