The president of the gas station union in Rio Grande do Sul states that there is no fuel shortage in the state, despite some localized supply issues due to high demand.
João Carlos Dal'Aqua, president of the Union of Retail Fuel Trade (Sulpetro), reassured the public on Friday, stating that there is no overall fuel shortage in Rio Grande do Sul. He explained that any specific instances of supply issues at certain fuel stations can be attributed to an increase in demand at those locations, and that consumers should not worry as nearby stations would typically have fuel available.
Recently, however, farmers and transportation companies in the region have encountered difficulties securing diesel, driven largely by a price increase of R$ 8.04 for fuel in certain areas like Bagé. The situation has raised concerns, particularly as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is impacting the supply chain for imported fuels. Dal'Aqua noted that Brazil continues to rely on imported diesel for about 20% of its needs due to domestic refining limitations.
This reliance on international supply makes the Brazilian fuel market vulnerable to external shocks, and any disruption can lead to localized shortages. Dal'Aqua's comments may help to alleviate public concerns, but they also underscore the challenges facing the country in ensuring a stable fuel supply amidst rising global tensions and fluctuating commodity prices.
