Rio de Janeiro, 9 (Agência Brasil – ABr) – Petrobras has closed out the first half with average daily production of oil at 1,510,000 barrels, a new record, up 14.3% over the first half of 2001. In June daily production reached 1,550,000 barrels, with 82% of that coming from the Campos Basin oilfield, off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, up 1.2% over May production.

The main reason for higher production this year is attributed to the P-40 drilling platform which went into operation in December 2001. In June it produced 150,000 barrels per day. (AB)