Brazil's Developing Gas Market: Opportunities for Arbitration

Co-authored by Gabriella Bianchini

With recent discoveries and a rising domestic demand, Brazil's natural gas sector has grown substantially over the last two decades. WilmerHale's Christoph Harler and Gabriella Bianchini examine the developing gas sector in Brazil and explain the applicable regulatory framework and prevailing pricing standards

Historically, natural gas did not play a significant role in Brazil's energy mix, never exceeding 4% of Brazil's primary energy supply until the late 1990s. Today, natural gas accounts for 12% of Brazil's primary energy supply. This share is projected to significantly increase by 2030 to meet growing demand. In Latin America, Brazil currently ranks second in consumption of gas, and third in production.