Rio, 10/1/2003 (Agência Brasil – Abr) – If Brazil decides to universalize the use of natural gas, which will mean making a significant change in the country's energy matrix, it will cost an estimated US$20 billion to US$30 billion, says Ildo Sauer, a Petrobrás director.

Sauer says that that amount would enable some 70 million people in 20 million homes in the country's major metropolitan regions to use natural gas regularly. Sauer also reports that the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has expressed interest in expanding the use of natural gas. (AB)