LatinNews Daily - 02 September 2020

* Brazil’s chamber of deputies has approved the base text for a bill which establishes a new regulatory framework for the country’s gas market, with the aim of breaking the current state monopoly and opening up the sector to more private participants. Known as ‘the new gas law’, the text notably changes the rules for the construction and/or operation of gas pipelines in the country, making it possible to do so following mere authorisation from the national oil & gas agency (ANP), rather than going through a public bidding process. The bill also puts an end to state governments’ exclusivity in the gas distribution sector (whether that is directly or through a concession holder), opening up opportunities for private energy providers. According to the project’s rapporteur in the chamber, federal deputy Laércio Oliveira, these changes could attract R$60bn (US$11.1bn) annually in investments. The government led by President Jair Bolsonaro supports the project as being an important source of investment and job creation, and as contributing to lowering energy prices for businesses and households. The bill must still be approved by the senate for the new regulations to become law.

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