ANP postpones Gas Release public hearing to November 19

The National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) has unanimously approved the postponement of the public hearing regarding the Gas Release program. Originally scheduled for late October, the hearing will now take place on November 19.

The Gas Release program aims to reduce concentration in the natural gas market by redistributing available volumes among market participants and holding auctions to encourage new agents. The agency intends to begin implementation in 2027, with annual auctions planned through 2030.

Petrobras has been a primary opponent of the proposal. The company argues that lowering natural gas prices requires an increase in overall supply rather than just a redistribution of existing volumes. Petrobras has also previously requested more time to evaluate the matter. Under the current draft, Petrobras would cease purchasing natural gas produced by third parties in Brazil and stop importing the resource from Bolivia via the Bolivia-Brazil Pipeline (Gasbol).