Petrobras accused of anticompetitive practices in natural gas market

The Brazilian Association of Glass Industries (Abividro) has called upon the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade) to investigate Petrobras for alleged anticompetitive practices in the natural gas market.

Abividro claims the state-controlled company restricts access to essential infrastructure, including flow, processing, and regasification systems. The association also alleges opacity in natural gas reference price formation and the artificial compression of domestic supply through reinjection. These actions are accused of preserving Petrobras's market power and hindering new competitors.

The request to Cade follows the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) establishing a special commission to investigate controversies regarding Petrobras's negotiations for access to flow and processing systems for the Pre-Salt Oil Company (PPSA). Abividro has requested that Cade exchange information with the ANP, PPSA, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy to further the investigation.