Increasing the number of natural gas suppliers may not translate into lower prices for the end consumer, expert points out.
The recent discussion regarding the liberalization of the natural gas market, through the proposed “Gas Release” mechanism, raises important questions about its actual benefits for the Brazilian economy. Although the intention is to foster competition, the measure may not be the silver bullet for reducing energy costs, especially when analyzed from the consumer’s perspective.
The Gas Release program, which aims to force market-dominant players to sell a portion of their gas through auctions, opens the door for new participants. However, this initiative alone does not guarantee the construction of new transport infrastructure, such as pipelines, nor does it mitigate the inherent costs of transporting gas, particularly from offshore sources to consumption points.
Competition in the Natural Gas Sector: A Critical Analysis
The Gas Release initiative has received support from various sectors, such as gas distributors and large industrial consumers, each with their own specific motivations. For distributors, it may represent an opportunity to diversify their supply sources. Meanwhile, industrial consumers see the measure as a potential avenue to obtain gas at more competitive prices, which would directly impact their production costs.
However, it is crucial that the government presents a clear analysis of the actual gains for the end consumer and the risks that will be borne by society. The simple addition of more sellers to the market is no guarantee that natural gas prices will fall significantly.
Energy Alternatives and the Role of Natural Gas
Before committing to infrastructure expansions for natural gas, it is fundamental to conduct a rigorous comparison with other energy sources. Electrification, the growing share of solar and wind energy, the use of locally generated biomethane, the pursuit of greater energy efficiency, and battery storage are alternatives that must be considered.
Sustainable regional development, in fact, requires the supply of energy tailored to each economic activity, weighing not only cost but also security and supply reliability. Natural gas, for its part, plays an irreplaceable role in sectors such as the chemical industry and fertilizer production, as well as in processes that are difficult to electrify.
In electricity generation, its use must be strategic, meeting the specific needs of the power system. The indiscriminate massification of all uses for natural gas, without clear prioritization, could lead to the creation of costly long-term economic dependencies.
What is advocated is competition with proven results and an energy transition truly aligned with Brazil’s interests. The central question that needs to be answered is direct: who really benefits from these changes, who bears the costs, and what are the tangible benefits for the country?
The perspective presented by Jean Paul Prates, former senator and former CEO of Petrobras, reinforces the need for an in-depth evaluation of energy policies. A conscious evolution of the natural gas sector must prioritize sustainability, competitiveness, and collective benefit.
