The Brazilian Association of Independent Oil and Gas Producers (ABPIP) will have a prominent participation in Bahia Oil & Gas Energy 2026, which will be held from May 27 to 29 in Salvador (BA). Representing a segment of growing relevance to the domestic industry, the Association leads technical initiatives and integrates the official program with its executives and member companies.

ABPIP's presence comes at a time of strong expansion for independent production in the country. In March 2026, member companies recorded an average production of 391.6 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), a 31.6% increase compared to the same month in 2025. This growth was driven by both components of the mix: oil at 299.3 thousand barrels per day (+22.2%) and natural gas at 14.7 million m³/d (+75%), reinforcing the upward trend of independent activity early in the year.

The regional analysis highlights both concentration and diversification of production. Rio de Janeiro accounted for approximately 60.7% of the total volume in March, growing 30.7% compared to the same period of the previous year. In the Northeast, results were also significant. Bahia increased its production from 27.1 thousand to 31.5 thousand boe/d (+16%), consolidating its position as one of the main onshore independent production hubs in the country and reinforcing its strategic relevance for new investments and the revitalization of mature assets.

Another highlight was Maranhão, where production surged from 2 thousand to 31.2 thousand boe/d in the year-on-year comparison, reflecting the expansion of independent operations in the state. Espírito Santo also showed relevant growth, rising from 16.9 thousand to 25.1 thousand boe/d (+48.6%). From an operational standpoint, growth was observed in both offshore and onshore assets. In March, offshore production advanced by 35.6%, while onshore grew by 23.4%, demonstrating the expansion of independent activity across different operational profiles. The offshore share of total production rose from 67% to 69.1%.

Technical agenda and leadership at the event

The second day of the event, May 28, concentrates ABPIP's main institutional agenda. In the morning, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the association promotes the 2nd ABPIP + ANP 2026 Workshop, under the theme “Measurement in Focus: the new RTM and its applicability to independent producers,” in the PetroNor Conference Auditorium.

In the afternoon, the organization expands its participation in strategic panels at the PetroNor Conference. The president of ABPIP, Marcio Felix (pictured), will moderate the panel “Decommissioning cost estimation for oil and gas facilities,” from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., bringing together industry representatives and regulators to discuss one of the sector's main economic and operational challenges.

Following that, the association's executive manager, Lucas Mota de Lima, will moderate the panel “Production in mature fields,” from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring companies such as PetroReconcavo, Origem Energia, Mandacaru, SLB, and Halliburton, among others, addressing the strategic role of these assets for the sustainability of national production.

ABPIP's schedule also includes moderating the panel “Development of Brazilian suppliers of goods and services,” led by Kidja Frazão, Management Support Manager of the entity, on May 28, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the ESG Arena.

ABPIP's activities extend to the third day of the event as well. On May 29, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Carolina Dornelles, Natural Gas Regulation Analyst at ABPIP, will moderate the panel “Regulatory challenges in the natural gas sector,” bringing together government representatives, regulators, and market players to discuss progress on the sector's opening and competitiveness agenda.

Strategic vision of the sector

Bahia Oil & Gas Energy is one of the main gatherings of the sector in the country, bringing together experts, companies, investors, and public officials to discuss industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.

The active participation of ABPIP and its member companies reinforces the consolidation of independent producers as strategic players for the future of oil and gas in Brazil—with a direct impact on job creation, tax revenue, and regional development. “Independent production has consistently expanded its contribution to the national energy supply and regional development. Bahia is an iconic example of this process, with a long tradition in onshore production and great potential for new investments,” says Marcio Felix.

According to him, strengthening technical dialogue with regulators is essential to sustain this growth. “The regulatory agenda is central for companies operating in challenging assets. Spaces like the workshop with the ANP and the event's panels are fundamental to improve the business environment and ensure predictability for investments,” he adds.