Manifesto in Defense of Strengthening ANP
The institutions gathered here express their deep concern over the recent budget cuts affecting the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) and reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the institution and regulation in the oil, natural gas, and biofuels sector.
ANP is essential for market functioning, responsible for ensuring a stable and predictable business environment, promoting fair competition, protecting consumers, and contributing to the country’s energy security. Its technical and independent role is necessary to attract investments, ensure efficiency in the supply chain, and foster innovation in the energy transition.
In recent years, ANP’s responsibilities have expanded, such as in the implementation and oversight of RenovaBio, reinforcing its importance for advancing decarbonization in Brazil. It also plays a fundamental role in opening the natural gas market, a task that requires proactive and timely action to achieve the objectives outlined in the new Gas Law.
To carry out these responsibilities effectively, the agency must have technical and budgetary capacity compatible with the sector’s complexity and challenges.
In this context, the recent cuts, which reduced the agency’s discretionary budget by 25%—approximately R$ 35 million—compromise vital functions such as market oversight, fuel quality monitoring, strategic data collection, and regulatory processes for critical activities. The direct impact on the Fuel Quality Monitoring Program (PMQC), for example, represents a setback in a sector that still faces irregular practices.
The lack of resources for the full exercise of regulatory functions not only weakens ANP but also undermines investor confidence, jeopardizes market integrity, and harms Brazilian consumers. This translates into economic costs for the country, affecting development, job creation, income, and public well-being.
Therefore, we advocate that ANP receive a budget allocation compatible with its institutional role and the challenges of the sector. We reaffirm our willingness to collaborate with the government and the branches of the Republic in seeking structural solutions that ensure the financial autonomy and stability of the regulatory agency.
Strong and well-structured regulation is a pillar of sustainable development, fair competition, and energy security in the country. This is what Brazil needs—and cannot afford to compromise.
Signatory Institutions:
- Brazilian Association of Independent Petroleum and Gas Producers – Abpip
- Abrace Energia – Abrace
- Association of Natural Gas Transport Companies by Pipeline – ATGás
- Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro – Firjan
- Brazilian Petroleum and Gas Institute – IBP
