Brazil seeks Bolivian gas through 2030

Brazil looks to continue offtake of Bolivian natural gas until at least 2030, beyond the contract that expires in 2019, according to Petrobras (NYSE: PBR) gas and energy executive Hugo Repsold.

Repsold made the comment at a state hydrocarbons company YPFB event in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, which currently sends around 30Mm3/d to Brazil.

Petrobras' 2020-30 plan envisions 24Mm3/d of firm supply from Bolivia and 6Mm3/d flexible delivery, Bolivia's state news agency ABI reported.

Brazil gas consumption in 2020-30 is forecast at 168Mm3/d, the bulk of which will be sourced locally, said the executive. He added there are no plans to increase the purchase of LNG, which provides 40Mm3/d.

Also at the event, the Bolivian NOC announced the start of cooperation with Ecuador state E&P operator Petroamazonas.

Local PDVSA manager Darío Merchán said the Venezuelan company this year will invest some US$200mn in Bolivia through joint venture YPFB Petroandina.

YPFB head Carlos Villegas highlighted that China's CNPC, through subsidiary BGP, will acquire seismic in the Madre de Dios basin. Contract talks are wrapping up.

And YPFB liquids separation plants manager Mario Salazar reported that the Río Grande complex, which began operations in September, is producing 360t/d of LPG, above the programmed target.

The Gran Chaco plant will produce 1,400t/d of LPG starting in January, added Villegas. Bolivia currently exports surplus LPG to Paraguay and Peru.