Brazil prosecutors question Petrobras plan for additional Foz do Amazonas wells

Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras

18/08/2026 13:17

SAO PAULO/RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Brazil's Prosecutor's Office, known as MPF, has asked environmental agency Ibama to explain Petrobras' requests to drill three new exploratory wells in the Foz do Amazonas basin, saying they were not covered by the operating license granted.
MPF said Monday the authorization of new drilling through simple permits or amendments violates environmental rules and ignores cumulative impacts.
The current operating license authorized only one exploratory well called Morpho, but Petrobras PETR4.SA requested three additional wells.
Petrobras announced last week it discovered hydrocarbons in an exploratory well in the basin in ultra-deep waters off Amapa state.
MPF said multiple drilling has different environmental impacts than single drilling on traditional coastal communities including Indigenous peoples and fishermen.
Ibama has five days to respond with information and documents.
Petrobras did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

 (Reporting by Leticia Fucuchima and Rodrigo VIga Gaier. Writing by Isabel Teles. Editing by Mark Potter)
 ((isabel.teles@thomsonreuters.com; +55 11 91033 3602))