By Brasil 247 – Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, said on Wednesday that the country faces no risk of fuel shortages despite tensions in the Middle East and concerns about their possible effects on the global energy market, according to Brasil 247, citing information published by Brazil Stock Guide. The minister told journalists that national fuel supply remains stable and that the government is closely monitoring price behavior in the domestic market.

Silveira stated that “there is no possibility of fuel shortages at gas stations,” emphasizing that the current concern is not supply but pricing practices. He alleged that distortions are being caused by market agents and said that “what exists is criminal speculation by distributors and resellers,” adding that the government will apply fines, strengthen inspections, conduct operations and involve the Federal Police when necessary.

The minister indicated that authorities intend to increase pressure on the distribution and resale chain to curb price adjustments considered abusive. According to him, oversight mechanisms will be reinforced, with the possibility of sanctions against companies that raise prices without concrete justification.

The statement comes amid heightened attention to fuel markets due to geopolitical instability in the Middle East, which traditionally increases market sensitivity to oil, diesel and gasoline prices. Silveira sought to distinguish between physical supply security and price movements, arguing that Brazil’s capacity to maintain fuel supply is not under threat.
Silveira also criticized the privatization of BR Distribuidora, a former Petrobras subsidiary responsible for fuel distribution, completed during the previous administration. After privatization, the company was renamed Vibra Energia.

According to the minister, Petrobras’ withdrawal from the distribution segment reduced the state’s ability to influence domestic pricing and weakened an instrument aimed at protecting consumers. He said Brazil could currently guarantee supply at lower prices for gasoline, diesel and natural gas if the company had remained in the sector.

The minister added that the government has a strong intention to reenter the national fuel distribution market through Petrobras but acknowledged contractual limitations preventing immediate action. “There is a clause in force until 2027, it seems. But it is essential that we return,” he said.