Rio – Average production of oil and natural gas was up again in March, reaching 2,101,478 barrels of oil-equivalent per day, in Brazil and abroad. According to Petrobrás’ press-service, the result indicates an increase of 4.1% when compared to March of 2004, and of 2.7% when compared to February/2005. On April 6th, Brazil reached a record-breaking daily production of 1,720,096 barrels.

When only Brazilian fields are taken into account, oil and gas production reached 1,837,689 barrels per day – 2.9% higher than that of February and 5% superior to March of last year. In the eight countries where Petrobrás has active units, production was 263,789 barrels/day – 1.2% higher than February’s. The result is mainly due to production increase in Bolívia. When compared to March of 2004, production was down 1.4%.

The production of natural gas in March also rose to 42,421 million of cubic meters per day, 1.7% higher than February’s.

Translation: Andréa Alves