According to the National Agency of Petroleum (ANP), oil and gas production in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, fell to its lowest level in four decades in December 2025. The daily production rate was recorded at 33,000 barrels, marking a significant decline from previous years, where production levels were nearly double a decade ago. The situation highlights a troubling trend for the region, particularly as it reflects a broader context of diminishing output that could have serious implications for local economies that depend on oil and gas production.

The president of the Oil Workers' Union (Sindipetro-RN), Marcos Brasil, attributes this decline directly to a shift in the local exploration profile, particularly following Petrobras' exit from land and shallow water fields. This transition has led to smaller private companies taking over operations, which have not invested sufficiently to boost production levels. The report reveals a stark contrast in operational capacity and investment strategies between the large producers and the incoming smaller firms, raising concerns about the future sustainability of the oil and gas sector in the state.

If the necessary investments are not made in the 33 blocks currently being offered by the state, the outlook for oil and gas production in Rio Grande do Norte may continue to decline. The need for substantial investment in infrastructure and technology is critical to revive production levels, as local stakeholders emphasize the importance of a strategic reinvigoration of the sector to support economic stability in the region.