Business · Energy & Commodities · 4 hrs ago
Petrobras refineries ran at 98% capacity in October
Petrobras ran its Brazilian refineries at 98% capacity in October, close to the 99% level recorded in the third quarter.
The company says high processing helps reduce Brazil's need to import fuel, especially diesel.
Since the war in the Middle East began, Petrobras has increased oil production and refinery processing.
It expects refinery use to remain high through November and December, but plans to produce more gasoline and less diesel in December as seasonal demand changes.
A planned shutdown and expansion work at the Replan refinery in March and April 2027 are expected to lower utilisation to about 96% in the first half of that year.
Petrobras says Brazil currently imports about 30% of its diesel, and its business plan due in November is expected to include investment aimed at ending those imports by 2030.
Petrobras’ refineries operated at 98% of capacity in October, close to the 99% recorded in the third quarter.
The company said it was running its refineries near their maximum while following safety rules and protecting workers.
High refinery use is helping reduce Brazil’s need to import fuel, especially diesel.
Petrobras expects refinery use to remain high in November and December, before planned work at the Replan refinery lowers it in early 2027.
The company expects to shift toward producing more gasoline in December as Brazilian summer demand rises and diesel consumption falls.
- Who
- Petrobras, according to the company’s director of Industrial Processes and Products, William França.
- What
- Petrobras’ refineries operated at 98% capacity in October. The company said it was seeking to reduce the need for fuel imports.
- When
- October 2026.
- Where
- Petrobras refineries in Brazil.
- Why
- Petrobras increased refinery processing to reduce imports, especially of diesel. The company also cited high fuel margins.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Petrobras accelerated oil production and increased refinery processing, according to the article.
Petrobras’ refineries operated at 98% of capacity.
Petrobras expects refinery use to remain high and close to the limit.
Petrobras expects to produce more gasoline and less diesel as summer demand rises and diesel consumption falls.
Planned work and expansion at Replan are expected to last about two months and reduce refinery use to around 96%.
- October refinery utilisation
- 98%
- Third-quarter refinery utilisation
- 99%
- Replan planned work
- About two months, between March and April 2027
- Expected refinery utilisation during Replan work
- Around 96%
- Brazil’s share of diesel demand currently imported
- About 30%
- Expected diesel imports in December
- Almost zero
What people are saying
We are closing October with a FUT of 98%.
Diesel imports in December should be almost zero, with lower demand after the end of the planting season.
We will have to push the other refineries harder, but that will not be enough to keep use near 100%.
We produced more, sold more and at a better price.