Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Silas Rondeau, affirmed that the Seventh Round of Bidding on Brazilian areas for the exploration and production of petroleum and natural gas will ensure Brazil’s self-sufficiency through 2015.
"The assertions that I am making now are based on forecasts by my technical team, which suggests that self-sufficiency will be attained next year, assuming the continuation of successful petroleum prospecting and discovery in the country, and projections for a 2.8% to 3% annual growth in demand."
Rondeau noted the decision by the National Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuel Agency (ANP) to assign priority in the seventh round of bidding to blocs with greater potential for the discovery of natural gas, which also caters to a growing market.
"The emphasis that the ANP is giving to areas with the potential for natural gas discovery is extremely important in view of the country’s present energy situation.
"It is basically aimed at reducing the deficit between gas supply and demand, thus relieving our dependence on the countries from which we currently import gas, principally Bolivia and Argentina," the Minister remarked.
Agência Brasil
