Petrobras’ refineries in Brazil achieved a new annual oil processing record in 2014. The average volume processed was 2.1 million barrels of oil per day (bpd), up 34,000 bpd (1.7%) from the previous record, set in 2013.

In addition, Petrobras also achieved a number of monthly records at its refineries, with the amount processed rising from 2.151 million bpd in March to 2.172 million bpd in June, for example.

Besides the increased processing at distillation units in 2014, there was also strong performance in facilities that are part of the diesel and gasoline production process:

- Petrobras’ diesel hydrotreatment units processed 100,600 m3 per day, up 15,000 m3 per day from the previous record, established in 2013. Diesel hydrotreatment makes it possible to expand production of this fuel by refining different types of petroleum, reducing sulfur content.

- The company’s catalytic cracking units processed 89,900 m3 per day, up 2,500 m3 per day from the previous record, set in 2013. The catalytic cracking process transforms heavy crude into light oil products such as gasoline.

This performance is the result of improved operational efficiency obtained through the integrated management of Petrobras’ downstream system, contributing to lower imports of oil products. These records were achieved while respecting the health, safety and environmental principles that underpin the company’s actions.