Brazil has taken a significant step in the global oil industry by joining OPEC+, a group of major oil-exporting nations.
The decision, approved by the government on Tuesday, highlights the country’s growing role as an oil producer—just months before it hosts the United Nations’ annual climate summit.
The move comes after the National Council for Energy Policy gave its approval in response to an official invitation extended in 2023.
OPEC+ is made up of the 12 members of OPEC, an organization that has long worked to manage oil production and stabilise markets, along with 10 other major oil-producing nations. Among them, Russia plays the most dominant role.
Despite joining the group, Brazil will not be bound by any strict commitments, such as reducing oil production, Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira clarified during a press conference.
Silveira described OPEC+ as “a forum for discussing strategies among oil-producing countries.” He emphasized, “We should not be ashamed of being oil producers. Brazil needs to grow, develop and create income and jobs.”
The decision places President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a delicate balancing act. Since beginning his third term in 2023, he has positioned himself as an advocate for environmental protection, working to curb deforestation in the Amazon and strengthen Indigenous rights.
At the same time, he has defended Brazil’s oil industry, arguing that revenue from oil production can support the transition to green energy.
With Brazil now a part of OPEC+, the country faces the challenge of maintaining its environmental commitments while deepening its involvement in the global oil market.
(CNN)
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