Petrobras awaits permits for 10 blocks with ExxonMobil

Petrobras is awaiting environmental licensing for 10 offshore blocks held in partnership with ExxonMobil in the Foz do Amazonas basin. Sylvia Anjos, the company's exploration and production director, highlighted the regulatory hurdle on Monday, September 21, 2026, during the ROG.e energy conference organized by the Brazilian Petroleum and Gas Institute (IBP).

The consortium acquired the blocks in 2025 during the 5th Permanent Concession Offer Cycle held by Brazil's National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). Petrobras operates five blocks (FZA-M-1040, FZA-M-1042, FZA-M-188, FZA-M-190, and FZA-M-403) with a 50% stake alongside ExxonMobil's 50%. ExxonMobil operates the remaining five blocks (FZA-M-477, FZA-M-547, FZA-M-549, FZA-M-619, and FZA-M-621), with Petrobras holding the other 50% interest.

Anjos noted that the oil discovery at the Morpho well, also in Foz do Amazonas, came after waiting more than a decade for an environmental permit. She underscored that securing licenses is critical to replenish company reserves.

To address reserve replacement, Petrobras is also expanding abroad in areas with familiar geology. The company is presenting gas opportunities and disclosing contracts in Colombia, following the signature of eight production-sharing contracts in Ivory Coast in the prior week. Anjos added that Petrobras has cut its carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 40% while working to raise operational efficiency, including in onshore basins.