DISTRIBUTION OF NATURAL GAS IN BRAZIL AND THE PROPOSAL FOR PRIVATIZATION: AN APPROACH SUPPORTED BY IGNACIO RANGEL

Despite several attempts to open it up throughout history, the natural gas market in Brazil remains vertical. Since its creation, in the 1950s, Petrobras has acted as a protagonist in the sector in the country, as it actively participates in all branches of the chain, such as supply, transport and distribution of the input. With the 2018 elections, the Federal Government supported by the neoliberal ideology promotes privatization plan that includes the link market of the natural gas sector. In the government’s view, the transfer of capital from this branch to the private sector is the best alternative to de-verticalize the chain, reduce tariff prices to consumers and expand infrastructure investments in the transport and distribution networks of natural gas. Based on Ignacio Rangel’s ideas, bibliographic and documentary analysis, these writings clarify why this privatization plan is irrational and unreasonable.