Brazil's Ministry of Justice notified the three largest fuel distributors, Ipiranga, Raízen, and Vibra, giving them 48 hours to detail recent price adjustments. The move addresses government suspicions of abrupt hikes preceding Middle East war effects. Companies stress transparency and point to import costs and supply issues.
On Thursday (19), around noon, Senacon notified Vibra Energia (22% market share), Raízen (15%), and Ipiranga (15%), which together handle about 60% of national supply. They must provide data by Saturday afternoon (21) on requested and supplied volumes, stocks, delays, and unfulfilled orders. A fourth firm, Larco, was also notified but requested five extra days, with no response yet. The government plans checks on 11 distributors and prioritizes 62 cities for diesel price suspicions, noting simultaneous hikes suggesting possible cartel, awaiting proof. On March 8, Senacon alerted Cade; on 10, it started formal monitoring, involving Procons from 16 states. Raízen confirmed a DF inspection and stated it 'will assess the situation and provide clarifications', emphasizing 'commitment to transparency, integrity, and legal compliance'. Ipiranga noted 'prices are influenced by multiple factors' like high imports, with ANP data showing over R$1 rise in producer and importer costs. Vibra cited a 'challenging scenario with supply restrictions' and reaffirmed supply commitment. Middle East war pushed Brent to $119 per barrel, then to $110.
