Petrobras Closed Q3 with Strong Refining Utilization Rates

Written by Amir Richani for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) continues to focus on its downstream sector, projecting higher capacity and a robust refining throughput.

Petrobras announced that it maintained a refinery utilization rate of 95.2% during the third quarter, while in September, it reached 96.8%, the highest monthly pace throughout 2024.

So far this year, the company has kept its quarterly utilization factor above the 90% mark, with 92% in Q1 and 91% in Q2, based on its internal reports.

Thanks to robust downstream utilization, the company produced gasoline at a record rate of 436,000 barrels per day (BBL/d) during the third quarter. Additionally, the company reported a record asphalt output in September across some of its refineries and volumes of 803,000 tons during Q3.

Pre-salt oil represented 73% of all crude processing throughout Q3, setting another quarterly record, according to the company statement.

"With the quarter's data, we are demonstrating Petrobras' commitment to the efficiency and profitability of its operations. These milestones were achieved due to the integrated work of the entire company," mentioned the Petrobras' Director of Industrial Processes, William França da Silva.

Downstream will be a crucial focus for the energy company in the next few years. Based on Petrobras' strategic plan for 2024-28, the oil producer is aiming to increase refinery processing capacity by 225,000 BBL/d through the revamp of Train 1 and the implementation of Train 2 at the Abreu e Lima refinery (RNEST) and through refurbishments on current facilities. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Project Database can learn more by viewing the related project reports.

The company expects to boost S-10 diesel production capacity by 290,000 BBL/d through revamps in some of its downstream assets and new units.

Overall, Petrobras foresees in its strategic plan investments of US$9 billion over the next few years in refineries' adaptation and upgrading, which also includes biorefining projects.

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