Rio, 7/15/2003 (Agência Brasil – ABr) - Mainly because of increased production in Argentina and Venezuela, Petrobras has raised its international production of gas and oil by 5.7% this month, compared to June. Compared to last year, the increase is 380% - due to expansion in Argentina (where the former Perez Companc is now fully under Petrobras control) and increased production in Bolivia.

However, in June, total Petrobras production - domestic and foreign - fell 4.6% (compared to May). Even so, compared to June 2002, production was up 3.3%.

Domestic production in June fell 6.6%, due to repairs made to drilling platforms in the Campos Basin. Those platforms are now back in operation. (AB)