Petrobras has confirmed a new 11.8% adjustment in the price of aviation kerosene for October, driven by geopolitical turbulence and volatility in the global energy market.
Brazilian commercial aviation is facing another financial challenge with the rising cost of energy inputs. Petrobras has announced an average increase of 11.8% in the price of aviation kerosene sold to distributors, effective this Thursday, October 1.
The price hike represents an increase of approximately R$ 0.66 per liter compared to the prices charged in the previous month. This move follows the 13.9% increase recorded in September, highlighting a sequence of upward pressures on the fuel sector.
Geopolitical pressure and the international market
The main justification for the tariff change lies in the surge of international quotations for the input. Current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have generated severe instability in the global energy supply chain.
The state-owned oil company argues that, despite the recent hike, domestic pricing remains competitive. The company points out that the accumulated inflation of the product abroad, since the beginning of the conflicts involving Iran, exceeds the rates passed on to the Brazilian market.
Commercialization model and competition
The input is supplied directly to distributors, either through production at Petrobras refineries or via dedicated imports. These companies are responsible for transportation logistics and resale to airlines.
The Brazilian market is open to free competition, with no legal, regulatory, or logistical restrictions preventing other companies from acting as producers or importers of aviation kerosene.
Despite regulatory openness, the state-owned company holds a strong influence over national supply. Consequently, economic impact mitigation measures are being closely monitored by energy sector analysts.
Outlook and impact on airfares
With ongoing external volatility, the aviation sector is dealing with increasingly squeezed margins. Fuel represents a significant share of airlines’ operational costs.
Expectations remain open regarding the application of payment facilities. In June, the oil company implemented a program allowing the adjustment to be split into three installments, a policy that returned in September to cushion sudden shocks to distributors’ cash flow.
