Rio - Petrobras, Brazil's state-run oil company, reports that its production of petroleum and gas in Brazil and abroad was an average 2,041,753 barrels per day in August. That is down slightly, 0.8%, compared to July, and down 2.3%, compared to August 2003.

Domestic production was an average 1,778,778 barrels per day, down 0.7%, compared to July, and down 3.3%, compared to August 2003.

Foreign production (Petrobras operates in eight countries) was an average 262,975 barrels per day, down 1.5%, compared to July, but up 5%, compared to August 2003.

According to Petrobras, the drop in domestic production was due to the closing of a well which halted production (10,100 barrels per day) on July 31. The well, located in the Marlim Sul field, off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, will return to operation at the beginning of November.

Agência Brasil
Reporter:Nielmar de Oliveira
Translator: Allen Bennett
09/14/2004