Petrobras announced today (19) that the average price of gasoline at its refineries will decrease by R $ 0.14 per liter, which represents a fall of 4.95%. The readjustment will take effect from tomorrow (20). The average price of fuel will be R $ 2.69 per liter. Diesel does not change, remaining at R $ 2.86 per liter.

The impact of the readjustment at refineries, however, does not have an immediate impact on the cost of gasoline at gas stations. According to a note released by the state-owned company, the upward or downward variations are associated with the international market and the exchange rate and have limited influence on the amount passed on to final consumers.

"As Brazilian legislation guarantees freedom of prices in the fuel and oil products market, the change in the final price will depend on transfers made by other members of the fuel chain. Until reaching the consumer, federal and state taxes, costs for acquisition and mandatory mixing are added of anhydrous ethanol, in addition to the gross margins of the distributing companies and the fuel retail stations, "says the note.

This is the first reduction announced in 2021. Since January, the average price of gasoline has already undergone six increases. With the new announcement, fuel starts accumulating an increase of R $ 46.2% since the beginning of the year. Diesel, however, rose 41.6%.

The sequence of increases has generated public criticism from President Jair Bolsonaro. Last month, he announced a change in command at Petrobras, nominating General Joaquim Silva and Luna for the presidency. He should replace Roberto Castello Branco, whose term ends tomorrow (20). The announcement of the exchange led to a drop in the company's shares.

On Tuesday (16), the Petrobras People Committee considered that Luna fulfills the legal requirements for the nomination and considered him fit to exercise the position. The general has yet to be elected at a general shareholders' meeting called for April 12. Then, his name must be approved by the State's Board of Directors, composed of 11 members. Seven of them are appointed by the Federal Government, which is the majority shareholder, three by the other shareholders and one by employees.