Brazil’s Diesel Import Dependence: A Strategic Opportunity for Energy Sovereignty
Brazil, one of the world’s largest economies and a regional energy powerhouse, faces a silent yet critical challenge: its heavy dependence on imported diesel. In 2024, approximately 24% of the country’s diesel consumption was supplied through imports (S&P), totalling 13.2 million tons, a 12% increase from the previous year. In September alone, Brazilian ports received 11.12 million barrels of gasoil and diesel (the highest volume in two years), primarily from Russia and the U.S. Gulf Coast (S&P). This dependency came at a steep cost, including $4.5 billion spent on Russian diesel alone (S&P).
Compounding the issue, much of Brazil’s refining infrastructure is aging, and its crude oil is not optimally suited for diesel production. This mismatch between producing crude, refining diesel, and Petrobras’ refining monopoly, marked by underinvestment, forces the country to export approximately 650,000 barrels of diesel per day (Brasil Refina, UOL).
This reliance leaves Brazil vulnerable to the volatility of global fuel markets, geopolitical instability, and disruptions to international supply chains. The stakes are high: diesel powers the engines of Brazil’s economic strength, from the trucks transporting agricultural exports, to the machinery driving its mining industry, to the ships serving domestic and global trade. Any disruption in supply or spike in price has ripple effects on food costs, manufacturing competitiveness, and overall economic growth. Resilience means producing and refining domestically.
As the demand for diesel continues to grow in critical sectors, Brazil must address the underlying vulnerability of its fuel supply chain. Especially since there's no planned investment on the horizon, refinery capacity will grow by less than 10% in the next 10 years. (PDE 2034). The strategic solution lies in building domestic refining capacity that is fast to deploy, environmentally compliant, and economically viable.
Unlike traditional refineries that require years and billions to build, Think Energy offers a fast, cost-effective alternative. Our patented modular technology can transform Brazil’s own crude oil or condensates into low-sulfur D3 Diesel and F4 Fuel Oil directly on Brazilian soil, with plants operational in less than six months. Because these modular units require no massive infrastructure, they are faster to deploy, more flexible, and better suited to regional and industrial needs. This approach bypasses the uncertainty of global markets, keeps more value within the national economy, and reduces the environmental footprint of fuel production.
The benefits are clear:
Up to 50% CO reduction per barrel, supported by ISO 14067 certification and a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment.
Full compliance with MARPOL’s 0.5% sulfur cap, ensuring fuels meet international marine standards.
Typical return on investment in under six months, with scalable capacity tailored to local and regional demand.
This refinery-grade output is achieved without the scale, cost, and environmental footprint of conventional refining, making it an agile and strategic alternative for national and regional fuel security, as well as for the businesses that rely on stable and affordable energy.
With Think Energy’s modular technology, Brazil could bridge supply gaps in regions more dependent on imported diesel, while supporting local refineries, oil producers, and businesses to thrive. By reducing reliance on volatile international markets, Brazil would enhance resilience, strengthen domestic industry, and extend its leadership in clean and innovative energy practices.
Brazil already has the resources, industrial expertise, and strategic position to achieve true energy sovereignty. What is needed now is the decision to implement proven, scalable, and fast-to-market solutions that align economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Think Energy stands ready to partner with Brazilian industry leaders, energy operators, and policymakers to make that vision a reality.
📩 Let’s discuss how we can work together to fuel Brazil’s future with cleaner, reliable, and locally produced diesel.
