Diesel shortages and supply disputes in Rio Grande do Sul

The Federation of Agriculture of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Farsul) has reported diesel fuel shortages and delivery delays affecting rural producers during the critical summer planting season. Farsul President Domingos Velho Lopes warned that missing the sowing window could reduce planted areas and compromise crop yields. To address these restrictions, Farsul filed an urgent request with the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), calling for immediate inspections of distributors to prevent rising food prices. The federation noted that a 21.1% increase in S10 diesel prices could add R$ 612.2 million to mechanized operation costs, with potential losses reaching R$ 1.47 billion if prices hit R$ 9.00 per liter.

In response to the shortages, the Rio Grande do Sul Petroleum Workers' Union (Sindipetro-RS) has demanded transparency from distributors regarding supply quotas and delivery criteria. Analyzing data from the ANP and the Institute for Strategic Studies of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (Ineep), the union noted that production at the Alberto Pasqualini Refinery (Refap) in Canoas has actually exceeded state consumption. Between January and July, Refap produced 18.24 million barrels of diesel against a state consumption of 15.40 million barrels, representing an 18.5% surplus.

Míriam Cabreira, president of Sindipetro-RS, stated that Petrobras has fulfilled all contracts and delivered necessary diesel as planned, suggesting the issue is not rooted in production. The union indicated that these supply concerns have reignited debates regarding the impact of the privatization of the former BR Distribuidora, now Vibra Energia, on the national fuel distribution structure.