Regional shift: Petrobras is considering liquefied natural gas exports from Brazil’s giant offshore fields as it looks for a new outlet for Atlantic gas. Chief Executive Officer Magda Chambriard said the company has discussed liquefaction and export options with Singapore based Seatrium. She made the remarks during a joint briefing in Singapore.
Petrobras has not provided a timetable or investment figure for the proposal. A liquefaction facility would have to be built before exports could begin. Brazil is among South America’s largest gas producers, but more than half of its output is reinjected into offshore reservoirs to support crude production.
Petrobras sees Asia as a likely destination because the region already receives much of the company’s exported crude. The talks come as Asian buyers seek more supply options while exports from Qatar remain constrained by the Iran war.
The export idea also arrives as Petrobras faces a proposed Brazilian rule that could require dominant suppliers to make some gas available to competitors. The company opposes the proposal and argues that the market has become less concentrated since its 2019 agreement with the country’s competition regulator.
Any export project would force Petrobras to balance LNG sales against domestic gas availability and reservoir support. Its feasibility will depend on liquefaction infrastructure, shipping economics, and the outcome of Brazil’s gas market rules.