Brazilian oil giant Petrobras does not discard the possibility of purchasing a refinery in the United States or any other country that may be of interest, stated company president José Eduardo Dutra yesterday. The purchase would be made so as to increase the company’s refining capacity.
Dutra explained that since he was inaugurated, in January 2003, at no moment has he discarded the possibility of buying a refinery abroad, as defended by his predecessor, Francisco Gros.
“Our forecast is to increase production of heavy oil, which now has a spread when compared to brent (lighter oil) of US$ 12,” stated Dutra.
“In case we have an opportunity to add value to this oil, be it refined in Brazil or abroad, we will do so,” he added.
The president of the state-owned oil company did not mention potential business being negotiated, but he added that, personally, he has never ignored the hypothesis of purchasing or leasing a refinery abroad.
ABr