Following notifications to major fuel distributors, the Advocacia-Geral da União (AGU) issued an urgent request to the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon) for reports on disproportionate price hikes. This escalates efforts amid inspections since March 9 that hit three of four top distributors, with a new government task force now monitoring the market.
On March 20, 2026, AGU's Regional Union Attorney's Office of the 1st Region requested Senacon reports, opinions, and technical documents on fuel sector irregularities, with a deadline of 10 a.m. on March 23. The memo emphasizes collaboration with ANP and Federal Police on inspections for consumer protection and economic order violations. Senacon had notified Ipiranga, Raízen, and Vibra—the three largest distributors—for unjustified hikes, as part of actions since March 9 inspecting 1,880 gas stations across 25 states and 179 municipalities. This resulted in 36 sanctions (fines and shutdowns), notifications to over 900 stations and 115 distributors. A presidential decree created a task force involving states and municipalities for coordinated market surveillance. Price surges follow the global oil crisis after U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, closing the Strait of Hormuz and driving oil above US$100/barrel. In Brazil, ANP data shows diesel up 20.4% to R$7.26/liter and gasoline 5.9% to R$6.65. President Lula signed a provisional measure (MP) zeroing PIS and Cofins on diesel, projecting R$0.64/liter savings via subsidies, plus an oil export tax. Federal Police launched an inquiry on March 17 into potential cartels and abuses. Truckers weighed a strike but chose dialogue.
