The outlook for the exploration of natural gas in Brazil from unconventional sources, such as shale gas, remains uncertain, even after the National Petroleum Agency (ANP) on April 11 published resolution 21/2014, which specifically regulates extraction of the commodity. The government has not decided yet who will be responsible for releasing the environmental permits and how they will be carried out. In addition to that, the ANP rules raise a controversial issue. 

The sixth article requires companies to publish chemical compounds for the formula that will be injected into wells in these areas. But the compound is a trade secret, of operators themselves or service providers. The uncertainty remains five months after the 12th round of bidding for exploration blocks with the potential for natural gas extraction. The government raised R$165.2 million in an auction with little risk and little competition. Most areas auctioned are located in the Recôncavo and Paraná basins.