Petrobras and Three Partners Extend Catu Gas Processing Plant Agreement to 2028

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Wedoany News, August 19 — Petrobras and its three partners, PetroReconcavo, Brava Energia, and Origem Energia, have completed the signing of a supplementary agreement to the long-term processing contract for the UTG Catu natural gas processing plant. The agreement extends the processing capacity guarantee period to 2037, with the current contract covering the 2028–2037 cycle, and updates commercial and operational terms.

The UTG Catu natural gas processing plant, located in Pojuca, Bahia, is operated by Petrobras and serves as the core infrastructure for the outflow and processing of natural gas from onshore oil fields in the state. Commissioned in 1962, the facility is Brazil's first natural gas processing plant. The supplementary agreement takes effect immediately.

As a result of this long-term agreement, PetroReconcavo has announced the suspension of the final investment decision for its Miranga natural gas processing plant (UPGN Miranga) project. The project, originally planned with an investment of approximately US$60 million and a designed processing capacity of 950,000 cubic meters per day, expandable to 1.5 million cubic meters per day, was to be located in Pojuca. PetroReconcavo stated that the project remains a strategic option and could be reactivated if future capacity demand exceeds the capabilities of existing natural gas processing facilities in Bahia.

This contract adjustment comes amid the regulatory agenda of Brazil's National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) to promote the sharing of natural gas infrastructure. In July 2026, the ANP launched a public consultation on draft regulations for access to gas pipelines and natural gas processing plants. Petrobras executives stated that this collaboration helps enhance industry predictability and the competitiveness of the natural gas market.