Total consumption of natural gas in Brazil grew by 39.6% in October compared to September. The volume demanded increased significantly, jumping from 52.19 million cubic meters / day (in September) to 72.86 million cubic meters / day (in October). In comparison with the data for October 2020 (78.23 million cubic meters / day), however, the retraction was 6.9%. The data are part of Abegás' monthly statistical survey with distributors across the country.

In October, consumption in the industrial segment rose 2.9% in the monthly comparison, from 27.38 million cubic meters / day (in September) to 27.73 million cubic meters / day (in October), still below 28.53 million cubic meters / day recorded in September last year. The drop in the 12-month period was 2.8%.

The most eloquent increase in consumption in September is in thermoelectric generation: 129.1%, a growth of more than 20 million cubic meters / day between September and October.

“This month's behavior shows the importance of natural gas to guarantee energy security. The country needs regional gas thermal plants at the base, generating in the consumption center all year round, in order to guarantee more predictability in a plan to resume sustainable economic growth. We hope that the Chamber will mature this proposal, in order to bring gas to everyone. Only with firm demand will it be possible to stimulate projects that make the increase in the supply of molecules viable, universalizing the gas ”, says the executive president of Abegás, Augusto Salomon.

The automotive segment also grew, with an increase of 21.7% in October compared to September, in an upward movement even in the comparison of 12 months: 3.6%.

“The recovery of CNG consumption is good news, signaling a recovery, which shows the potential of this segment, accounting for 6.5 million cubic meters / day. The country needs to structure an energy plan that adopts natural gas in the cargo and passenger transport segment, which can establish a strong demand signal to absorb the existing supply potential ”, explains Abegás executive president, Augusto Salomon .

According to Salomon, the expectation for 2021 is a year with more stability in consumption, with improvement in levels as there is more clarity about a vaccination. “The improvement of the health situation is essential to establish confidence among economic agents. The consumption of natural gas is an indicator that reflects the behavior of the economy. We have this hope, since the year 2020 was very challenging, with an unprecedented drop in consumption levels in April. The distributors were able to respond to the challenge, maintaining a 24-hour supply, including to hospitals, with safety and efficiency, despite the difficulties, including default. ”

The number of units consuming natural gas already exceeds 3.7 million - number of meters in industries, businesses and homes and other points of consumption.

Consumption in October / 20 vs September / 20 in all segments *

Industrial - 2.9% growth; Automotive - Up 21.7%; Commercial - 20.2% decrease; Residential - 6.5% decrease; Cogeneration - Up 9.7%; Electricity generation - Up 129.1%.

Highlights of consumption in the regions: October / 20 *

The positive highlight was the growth of CNG by 30.3% in the Southeast, where the increase in the industry was 5.6%. In the South, consumption and CNG increased by 6.5% and in the Northeast, by 2.2%, and in the Center-West, by 5.2%. In the North, the highlight was the residential growth of 12.5%.

* Compared to September / 20