Unveiling Fuel Import Dependency in Brazil: A Factual Analysis

The recently launched Q&A session by O Globo, Valor Econômico, and CBN, which included the Novo candidate Romeu Zema, focused on a particularly controversial statement: 'Brazil continues to depend on importing diesel and gasoline.' The team from Fato ou Fake, after thorough verification of data, concluded that this claim is #FATO. This information is relevant not only for Brazil's domestic politics but also for the global oil and fuel industry context.

In 2025, according to the ANP's annual statistics, Brazil imported 17.1 billion liters of diesel, a 19.4% increase from 2024. This rise was influenced by the war between Iran and the United States, which affected global fuel distribution. The Petrobras had to seek alternatives such as imports from India and the Gulf of Mexico to meet the domestic shortfall. Concerning gasoline, increased ethanol blending reduced importations, but Brazil still relies on foreign supply.

This situation reflects both global and local economic challenges, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach to ensure energy security in Brazil. Zema's statement about fuel imports, although controversial, underscores the complex industry landscape globally and its implications for domestic Brazilian policy.