ANP Opens Inquiry and Launches Public Consultation to Force Non‑Discriminatory Access to Gas Infrastructure
The move aims to implement the New Gas Law and unblock a four‑year dispute so the Union and other producers can use pipelines and processing units under clear rules.
Overview
- ANP's board voted on Friday to open an ex officio inquiry into the long‑running dispute between PPSA and Petrobras and to create a special commission to conduct the probe.
- The regulator simultaneously opened a 45‑day public consultation on a draft resolution that would set rules for negotiated, non‑discriminatory third‑party access to production trunklines and gas processing units.
- The inquiry can examine potential anti‑competitive conduct but will not replace formal cartel and abuse investigations that fall under CADE's authority.
- PPSA first requested access in May 2022 and negotiations have exceeded the CNPE's 180‑day deadline, a delay made harder because Petrobras controlled roughly 90% of national gas processing capacity in 2024.
- ANP Director‑General Artur Watt supported restarting the rulemaking while urging caution on fixed reference prices and favoring negotiated terms and a transition period to limit market disruption.