State oil company Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. said on Friday that Brazilian refineries are operating at levels close to or even above their designed capacity in the context of intensified geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, concerns about fuel shortages and rising oil prices in global markets. The aim is to expand the production of refined products and reduce dependence on imported fuel.

"Part of the refining capacity is currently operating at 103% of its capacity to cope with the pressure from the global energy market fluctuations," said state oil company Petrobras President Magda Chambriol. The company is increasing its refining capacity as much as possible to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the rise in international fuel prices, while ensuring domestic fuel supply.

In the first quarter of 2026, the overall utilization rate of the refining units of Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) reached 95%; among them, March reached 97.4%, touching the highest level since 2014. In April and May, the utilization rate of several refining units exceeded 100%.

William Fransa, director of Industrial Processes and Products at Petrobras, said changes in the international situation have prompted the company to increase its refining load. "The more we refine our own crude oil, the more revenue we create. This means not only exporting crude oil, but also further increasing the added value," he said.

França said the current intensification of the Middle East conflict has increased concerns about the interruption of energy supplies in the international market, especially the supply of oil and refined products transported through global key transport channels. Although Brazil is one of the world's main oil producers, it still relies on imports in some refined products segments, such as diesel, so increasing domestic refining capacity has been identified as a strategic focus by the Brazilian government and state oil company Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.

state oil company Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. said it could achieve a processing load of more than 100 percent through technological improvements, equipment maintenance investments and regulatory permits without affecting operational safety. Energy industry experts say the strategy reflects Brazil's desire to strengthen its energy autonomy amid global uncertainties, while also enhancing its ability to export refined products.

At present, the state oil company of Brazil operates 11 refineries in the country. The largest of them, in terms of capacity, is the Paulínia refinery in the state of São Paulo, which accounts for about 30% of the country's refining capacity.

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