Petrobras Shatters Production Records in 2024, Strengthens Leadership in Gasoline, Diesel, and Pre-Salt Oil
- 21-Jan-2025 10:15 PM
- Journalist: Benjamin Franklin
In a landmark year, Petrobras, Brazil’s state-run oil powerhouse, has broken historic production records, solidifying its dominance in the global energy landscape. With outstanding achievements in gasoline and S-10 diesel production, alongside a substantial increase in oil processing from its prolific Pre-Salt fields, Petrobras has demonstrated unmatched resilience and strategic efficiency in 2024.
For the first time in a decade, Petrobras surpassed its gasoline production record, reaching a staggering 24.4 billion litres in 2024—outpacing the 2014 record of 24.2 billion litres. This surge is not just a testament to the company’s capabilities but a reflection of its strong response to Brazil's increasing domestic demand. The President Getúlio Vargas Refinery (REPAR) in Paraná was a standout, contributing a significant 3.5 billion litres, making it one of the critical players in Petrobras' impressive production figures.
Equally notable was the production of S-10 diesel, which reached an all-time high of 26.3 billion litres in 2024, surpassing even last year's record. The President Bernardes Refinery (RPBC) in São Paulo emerged as a key contributor, processing 3.8 billion litres of the premium fuel, vital for Brazil’s transportation and agricultural sectors. This achievement marks a new chapter in Petrobras’ efforts to meet the country’s stringent environmental standards, which emphasize cleaner, lower-sulphur fuels.
These milestones in production were complemented by significant strides in refining efficiency. Petrobras reported a Refinery Utilization Factor (FUT) of 93.2% in 2024, a substantial increase from 92% in 2023. This metric reflects the company’s ability to maximize the output of its refineries while maintaining safety, environmental, and quality standards. The company’s strategic planning and refined operational execution across its refining network have been pivotal in achieving these elevated levels of performance.
The jewel in Petrobras’ crown in 2024, however, was its leap in processing oil from the Pre-Salt fields. In an unprecedented feat, 70% of the oil processed by Petrobras came from these offshore reservoirs—an increase from the 66% processed in 2023. The Pre-Salt region, renowned for its deepwater reserves, has become the heart of Petrobras’ production and a vital contributor to Brazil’s economic growth. The company’s investment in exploration and development of these fields has paid off handsomely, cementing its role as a leader in offshore oil extraction.
This historic performance reflects Petrobras’ strategic alignment across its various sectors, including refining, transportation, marketing, petrochemicals, and fertilizers (RTC). The company’s integrated approach to operations has proven essential in optimizing production capacity, ensuring the highest levels of operational reliability, and delivering consistent results in an ever-demanding market.
As Petrobras looks ahead, it remains poised for further expansion and success. The record-breaking production in 2024 not only underscores the company’s operational excellence but also positions it to continue leading Brazil’s energy sector and the global oil market. With a strong foothold in the Pre-Salt fields and an unwavering commitment to efficiency and sustainability, Petrobras is set to further strengthen its position as a global energy powerhouse in the years to come.