Flávio Bolsonaro criticizes interventions in Petrobras‘ pricing policy and rules out privatization of the company in a potential presidential term.
The macroeconomic scenario and the fuel market have returned to the center of the national political debate. Presidential candidate for the PL party, Flávio Bolsonaro, has leveled harsh criticism against Petrobras’ current pricing policy.
During a public appearance in the southwestern region of Rio de Janeiro, the lawmaker warned of the risks of artificially suppressing prices at the pump. According to him, recent containment measures could cause a significant shock to consumer budgets once the election period ends.
This stance comes as the Ministry of Finance has formalized tax relief packages and increased subsidies for gasoline, ethanol, and diesel, aimed at curbing price pass-throughs resulting from international tensions in Iran.
Controversies over fuel subsidies and prices
The main concern raised by the candidate involves the financial sustainability of the federal government’s current model of tax relief on petroleum derivatives.
In a statement to journalists during a meeting with party leaders, the senator questioned the duration of the incentives granted to the fuel market.
The senator stated:
“Lula is using Petrobras. He provided a subsidy of approximately R$ 2.00 on the price of diesel. Do you know when this subsidy ends? On October 25th. The day after the election, the price of diesel at the pump could rise by around R$ 2.00.”
The government’s package includes an additional R$ 1.6 billion injection directed at subsidizing imported diesel, a 30-day mechanism that directly benefits Petrobras.
Furthermore, the federal administration has temporarily zeroed out taxes on gasoline and expanded support for hydrated ethanol, justifying the actions on the premise of maintaining fiscal neutrality in the face of international pressures.
The future of the state-owned company and privatization rumors
Another point addressed by the presidential hopeful concerns the strategic direction of Brazil’s largest energy company.
When asked about plans to sell off the company’s controlling interest, Flávio Bolsonaro categorically rejected any intention of selling the state-run oil firm.
The candidate dismissed the speculations as unfounded narratives promoted by PT adversaries, reinforcing that the privatization of the oil company is not part of his campaign proposals, despite the presence of former minister Adolfo Sachsida in his campaign coordination.
Challenges and prospects for the consumer
Energy price volatility remains one of the primary challenges for economic stability and national supply.
Although the extension of subsidies offers a momentary relief at the pumps, final pricing for the consumer will depend on external factors, distribution margins, and global market dynamics once the deadline for the fiscal measures expires.
