The reduction of the selective tax from 1% to 0.25% on oil exports and the stance against excessive regulatory impositions on oil exploration in the Equatorial Margin—a region that includes the maritime zones of Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and other South American countries—are two of the key initiatives of the Institute of Petroleum, Gas, and Energy (IPEGEN), which will be launched in Brasília on March 25. The event will take place at Restaurante Nau - Salão Porto, Setor de Clubes Esportivos Sul, Asa Sul Trecho 2, from 7 PM to 10 PM, bringing together energy sector leaders, academics, and policymakers.

Brasília was chosen as the headquarters for IPEGEN due to its partnership with the Parliamentary Front in Support of Petroleum, Gas, and Energy (Freppegen) in the Chamber of Deputies. The Institute aims to serve as a technical arm in shaping public policies for the sector, evaluating the impact of new laws and regulations, and facilitating dialogue between the market and Parliament. This strategic location can contribute, for example, to resolving the Equatorial Margin impasse—a region rich in oil and natural gas that attracts major petroleum companies but requires approval from IBAMA for drilling operations. The issue is currently under debate in the federal government.

Speakers and Guests at the Launch Event

The IPEGEN launch event will feature opening remarks from the Institute’s Executive Director, Retired General Marco Aurélio Vieira (photo), and Federal Deputy General Pazuello, who serves as Freppegen’s president. Other industry experts will also participate, including, Luiz Carlos Ciocchi, former General Director of the National System Operator (ONS), John Forman, former Director of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP). Both Ciocchi and Forman serve on the Institute’s Board of Directors, which also includes, Thiago Lemgruber Porto, Director of the Brazilian Society of Naval Engineering (SOBENA), Virgílio Gibbson, Professor at Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), Rafael Favetti, Lawyer and Tomás Guzman.

"We are also talking about a sector undergoing decisive transformations. There are laws that need to be updated and implemented, regulatory indicators that must be monitored, and important questions to be raised with regulatory agencies and the government regarding deadlines. IPEGEN, together with its political arm, the Parliamentary Front, has all the means to articulate and engage in discussions at all levels—whether in the petroleum, gas, and energy sector or within the legislative and executive branches," emphasized Vieira.

Operational Efficiency, Energy Transition, and Combating Fuel Illegality

Among its areas of focus, IPEGEN will also address operational efficiency, energy transition, and the mitigation of environmental impacts in energy generation and distribution—aligning with global best practices.

Another key agenda for the Institute is the fight against fuel illegality. According to data from the National Federation of Fuel, Natural Gas, and Biofuel Distributors (Brasilcom), Brazil loses approximately R$30 billion per year due to fuel adulteration and tax evasion.

Next Steps

With its headquarters in Brasília and a national scope, IPEGEN is committed to strengthening the sector’s strategic agenda. The Institute has scheduled meetings across the country, starting with its presentation to the Rio de Janeiro market during the Southeast Export Forum on April 1-3. This reinforces the entity’s commitment to fostering dialogue among key players in the energy industry.