Carolina Pimentel
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília – Last week president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared that even though Brazil is moving toward self-sufficiency in natural gas, which should occur within two years, the country will continue to import natural gas from Bolivia.

"We will do so because it is in our interest to assist the people of Bolivia, a very poor country. And it is in the interest of Bolivia to assist Brazil in its energy needs. What we have here is a win-win situation for all concerned," said the president.

With reference to the decision by Bolivia to nationalize its oil and gas reserves, Lula said the decision has forced Brazil to implant "bold" measures in the energy sector.

As for the possibility of a shortfall in natural gas supplies, Lula said the country's response would be to operate its thermoelectric power plants on ethanol.

The president made his remarks at the inauguration of a biodiesel experimental unit in Guamaré, in Rio Grande do Norte. The plant will produce 3,000 liters daily of a fuel made from vegetable oils which is used as an additive for diesel. The plant is run by Petrobras.

Translation: Allen Bennett