Entrepreneurs signal to Planalto annoyance with possible change at Petrobras

A group of businessmen and investors reached Palácio do Planalto with the assessment that a new change in command of Petrobras could intensify the scenario of economic instability and harm the image of independence of the mixed capital company.

According to reports made to CNN the message was recently transmitted by members of the productive sector and the financial market to presidential assistants in the wake of President Jair Bolsonaro’s declaration that the new Minister of Mines and Energy, Adolfo Sachsida, has carte blanche for changes in the company.

The diagnosis of members of the productive sector is that the replacement of José Coelho, the third president of the company during the current administration, would not lead to a reduction in fuel prices, since there is still a lag in values.

According to the calculations of government advisors, the price lag for gasoline is now around 20% and that for diesel is around 5% in relation to the international market. In the face of resistance from the productive sector, palace assistants recognize that a change in the company’s command, at this moment, would not bring great changes.

The president’s speech, however, that Petrobras is solely responsible for raising gasoline and diesel has proved to be effective, according to the latest edition of the XP/Ipespe survey, released this Friday (20).

For 64% of the electorate, Petrobras is responsible, while 45% blame the president. The survey also shows that 49% are against the privatization of the company and that 44% believe that fuel prices will increase with privatization.

wanted by CNN the Planalto Palace has not yet manifested itself.