Petrobras hikes diesel by R$ 1.00 offset by subsidy

Petrobras announced on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, that it will raise the price of diesel by R$ 1.00 per liter starting Thursday. The company noted that the adjustment will be fully neutralised by an economic subsidy of R$ 1.00 per liter for highway-use diesel A, which was enacted via an ordinance published the same day.

The subsidy lasts for 30 days and takes effect immediately. Because of the measure, wholesale sale prices charged by Petrobras to distributors will remain unchanged, allowing the company to receive the economic subsidy established by the federal government.

Petrobras stated that joining the program is optional, but it evaluated the terms as compatible with its commercial strategy and interests. Formal adhesion remains subject to complementary operational regulations and internal corporate governance approvals.

The government also recently announced tax cuts on other fuels, reducing PIS/Cofins taxes by R$ 0.63 per liter on gasoline and R$ 0.19 per liter on fuel ethanol. Combined with the new diesel subsidy, these measures represent a fiscal cost of R$ 7 billion per month for the federal treasury.