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Brazilian fuel rates to increase due to brand-new tax credit guidelines, energy lobby says

New tax credit guidelines unveiled by Brazil's government are expected to lead to a rise in gasoline and diesel rates in the nation, an energy lobby stated on Monday, approximating their effect on fuel distributors to reach 10 billion reais ($ 1.86 billion).

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva recently released an executive order with tighter guidelines for the use of credits by business connected to the federal PIS-Cofins taxes, activating a. strong backlash from the most afflicted industries.

As companies aim to balance out the effect of the procedure,. energy lobby IBP stated gas rates may increase 4% to 7% for. consumers, or as much as 0.36 real per liter, while diesel rates. were seen increasing 1% to 4%, or as much as 0.23 real per liter.

The executive order, which takes effect instantly however. requirements legal approval within four months to remain legitimate,. will burden several sectors of the economy and result in. increased public transport and freight costs, IBP said in a. statement.

The group represents Brazil's three biggest fuel. distributors - Vibra Energia, Grupo Ultra's. Ipiranga, and Raizen, a joint venture. in between Cosan and Shell.

Ipiranga has actually currently notified its network of re-sellers. about a boost in gas, ethanol and diesel rates. beginning today because of the measure, according to an. internal memo published by local media and confirmed by the. company's press workplace.

Ipiranga's rates policy is lined up with existing. criteria, in compliance with the sector's requirements, the. company said in a statement.

Vibra and Raizen declined to comment.

(source: Reuters)