Brazil imported 20% less diesel in March 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, according to data released on Tuesday by the Mdic (Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services). The numbers reflect the behavior of importers in the face of the rise in fuel prices on the international market, an increase that was not passed on in the same proportion by Petrobras in the diesel sold by its refineries in the country.
Despite the drop in imported volume, the total amount spent increased by 2% in March this year. The average price of imported diesel was US$0.83 per net kilogram, an increase of 28% compared to the same month in 2025, when it cost US$0.65.
The price of fuel follows the appreciation of the barrel of Brent oil, pressured by the involvement of the United States, Israel and Iran and by the risks to global supply. Before the worsening, at the end of February, the commodity it was close to US$70. On March 9, . As of March 27, it was still trading above $100.
The global increase in diesel was not fully passed on by Petrobras. On March 13, the state-owned company readjusted the price of fuel by 11.6% at refineries, but the increase was not enough to eliminate the gap in relation to the imported product.
According to the executive president of Abicom (Brazilian Association of Fuel Importers), Sérgio Araújo, the scenario increased the risk of imports, especially between the start of the conflict, on February 28, and the adjustment by Petrobras.
“Many agreements were blocked at the beginning of March… It became very risky to import diesel”these.
indicates that diesel sold by Petrobras refineries was 23% below international parity on March 2 and 62% below at the end of the month. Since May 2023, with the end of the import parity policy, the state-owned company no longer automatically follows international quotes and exchange rates when setting prices.
Despite the drop in imports, Araújo stated that there were no shortages in the domestic market.
Government increases subsidies for imported diesel
To contain the rise in the price of diesel at gas stations, the use of imported fuel. On March 12, the , which provides for an initial subsidy of R$0.32 per liter, was published.
The measure was expanded by another MP published on Tuesday (April 7, 2026), which established an additional subsidy of R$ 1.20 per liter, with R$ 0.60 paid by the Union and R$ 0.60 by participating States. Here’s the (PDF – 221 kB).
According to the government, only 2 states did not adhere to the model. In these cases, the tendency is for higher prices, as the subsidy is lower.
The measures came into force immediately and are valid until May 31, with the possibility of extension for another 2 months. The estimated cost is R$4 billion, divided between the Union and States.
