By Brazil Stock Guide – Petrobras (NYSE: PBR; B3: PETR3, PETR4), PetroReconcavo (B3: RECV3), Brava Energia (B3: BRAV3) and Origem Energia signed long-term amendments covering access to natural-gas processing at the Catu Natural Gas Treatment Unit in Pojuca, Bahia.
The amendments take immediate effect and are designed to ensure continued processing of gas produced in the state, offering greater visibility for producers and reinforcing the strategic role of the facility in Bahia’s energy infrastructure.
Capacity guarantee extended from 2028
One of the main changes is the extension of the processing-capacity guarantee starting in 2028. The measure is expected to improve planning for the companies involved and strengthen the operational reliability of the Catu unit.
The agreement also updates the commercial and operating terms of the contracts, with a focus on reducing costs and improving use of the region’s existing natural-gas infrastructure.
“In Bahia, the initiative contributes to attracting investments, optimizing existing resources and creating favorable conditions for the sector’s long-term growth,” said Stênio Galvão, Petrobras’ executive manager for exploration and production.
Shared infrastructure supports gas market
The Catu unit is a key facility for transporting and treating natural gas produced from onshore fields in Bahia. The infrastructure also supports regional economic activity and generates benefits for nearby communities.
Petrobras Executive Manager for Gas and Energy Álvaro Tupiassu said the agreement highlights the role of shared infrastructure in improving market performance.
“The understanding between the companies reaffirms the importance of shared infrastructure as a tool to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the natural-gas market,” Tupiassu said.
The companies said the arrangement reflects the role of private-sector cooperation in developing solutions that combine efficiency, predictability and greater use of existing assets.
PetroReconcavo cites competitiveness gains
José Firmo, chief executive officer of PetroReconcavo, said cooperation between Petrobras and independent producers represents progress for Brazil’s onshore industry.
“Cooperation between Petrobras and independent producers represents an advance for our sector. By strengthening the sharing of existing infrastructure, the agreement increases the competitiveness of Brazil’s onshore industry, improves operational efficiency, raises the unit’s reliability and promotes the continued modernization of processes, systems and equipment,” Firmo said.
The companies said the initiative strengthens their commitment to economic and social development in the regions where they operate while supporting a more open, competitive, liquid and efficient natural-gas market.
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