President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited a Petrobras drill ship Monday to celebrate the discovery of oil and gas indicators in the Foz do Amazonas basin off the coast of Amapá state. The find, announced Friday in the Morpho well within block FZA-M-59 in deep waters of the Equatorial Margin, marks the first significant hydrocarbon discovery in the region.
Lula described the discovery as a "passport to the future" for Brazil, echoing language used during the pre-sal oil discoveries in 2006. He acknowledged environmental concerns surrounding exploitation in the region but stated that the country remains committed to preserving the environment while pursuing energy sovereignty.
During remarks to the press, Lula directly addressed U.S. President Donald Trump, saying that if Trump continues military conflict with Iran and orders closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Brazil could supply oil to the rest of the world. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, has been blocked by Iran since late February when Middle East conflict escalated. The United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
Magda Chambriard, president of Petrobras, said the Morpho well drilling will be completed within 15 to 20 days. She noted that further exploration is needed to determine the volume of oil present. Three additional wells are planned for the block, pending environmental licensing approval.
Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, whose state of Amapá benefits from the discovery, thanked Lula and said the find demonstrates Brazil's energy sovereignty. Alcolumbre stated that other countries seek to control Brazil's future and that the nation must recognize those who pursued energy independence despite domestic and international criticism.
Lula emphasized that while the discovery represents an important resource, Brazil will continue advancing biofuel innovation and maintaining its position as a leader in renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuels.
Related Articles
Brazil's right-wing leaders clash with Lula over U.S. tariffs
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro blamed President Lula for new American tariffs on Brazilian goods, while Lula accused the Bolsonaro family of lobbying the U.S. government.
Oil prices rise as Trump warns Iran over stalled peace talks
Brent crude and U.S. futures advanced Monday amid escalating Middle East tensions and record-low global inventories.
Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro launch Brazil's 2026 presidential campaign
The incumbent president and opposition senator began their campaigns Sunday with technical polling ties ahead of October's runoff election.
Lula and Bolsonaro's son tied in Brazil presidential race poll
A Datafolha survey shows President Lula and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro each at 45 percent support in a potential runoff five months before October elections.
UAE secretly struck Iranian oil refinery during Trump cease-fire
The United Arab Emirates carried out retaliatory military strikes against Iran, including an attack on Lavan Island refinery that caused a large fire, just as a cease-fire was being solidified.
Trump administration proposes 25% tariff on Brazilian goods
The U.S. Trade Representative concluded a Section 301 investigation, proposing 25% tariffs on most Brazilian imports while exempting coffee, beef, and aircraft.
