Rio de Janeiro – Fuel consumption in Brazil grew by approximately 8% in the first quarter OF 2010 compared with the same period of last year, announced today (19th) the president of Petrobras Distribuidora (BR), José Lima de Andrade Neto.
According to him, the increase in fuel oil consumption attests to the industry’s recovery. As for other types of fuel, greater consumption in late March shows that demand in the agroindustry has also risen.
Lima Neto stated that the fuel market should grow by 7% this year, depending on consumption worldwide. "It is very difficult to make projections, but a 7% expansion is feasible, considering that last year the global crisis caused a shock that prevented the demand from growing."
With regard to ethanol, Lima Neto stated that the market has already been demanding more ethanol, and that the fuel is already being consumed on a larger scale than gasoline, considering the two types: hydrated and anhydrous.
Alcohol consumption decreased in December of last year and January this year, which is common during the period due to the off season and the resulting high prices. To Lima Neto, starting in the end of this month and in early June, ethanol consumption will go back to the levels of the period that preceded the off season, which lasted from late last year until the end of March.
Lima is participating in the National Forum of High Studies, which started last Monday at the Brazilian Development Bank headquarters and should end on Thursday (20th).
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
