Petrobras announces a new price increase of 5.18% for gasoline and 14.25% for diesel

After a meeting of the Board of Directors convened in the midst of a long weekend, Petrobras announced this Thursday a new adjustment in fuel prices. Starting tomorrow, gasoline will rise in refineries from R$3.86 to R$4.06 per liter, an increase of 5.18%. With diesel, the price per liter will rise from R$ 4.91 to R$ 5.61, which is equivalent to a 14.25% readjustment.

The last time gasoline was readjusted at refineries was on March 11, when it rose 18.7%, from R$3.25 to R$3.86. That is, it is the first high in 98 days. It is still the third adjustment of the year.

In diesel, the state-owned company had announced an increase of 8.8% on May 10th. At the time, prices at refineries rose from R$4.51 to R$4.91. It is the first increase in 38 days and the fifth increase since January.

“Considering the mandatory blending of 73% gasoline A and 27% anhydrous ethanol for the composition of gasoline sold at gas stations, Petrobras’ share of the consumer price will rise from R$2.81, on average, to R$2, 96 for every liter sold at the pump. A variation of R$ 0.15 per liter”, said the state-owned company.

According to Abicom, which brings together the importers, the lag in both gasoline and diesel has been putting pressure on both state-owned and private companies, since the level has been considered high for at least a month.

On Monday, the 13th, the gasoline lag reached 17% (or R$ 0.82 per liter). In diesel, the difference between prices sold abroad and those charged in Brazil is 16% (R$ 0.92 per liter).

A week ago, the market already took a rise in prices for granted. The Council’s meeting this Thursday takes place a day after the Chamber of Deputies concluded the vote on the bill that creates a ceiling for the ICMS that is levied on fuel, energy, telecommunications and public transport.

Internally, Petrobras’ top management had been closely monitoring the evolution of gasoline prices for at least three weeks. This same source recalled that a new increase in diesel came on the radar two weeks ago, when the value of a barrel reached US$ 120 in the international market.

The central concern of the sector is that there may be a lack of diesel in Brazil. Therefore, this new increase is justified so that importers can increase imports and reinforce their stocks.

According to Abicom, which includes importers, the gap was 14% for gasoline and 18% for diesel with reference to June 15th. The price of oil is this Thursday close to US$ 120 per barrel. Already the dollar is above and R$ 5.

Source: The Globe