Sao Paulo gas decree may go before Supreme Court

Sao Paulo gas decree may go before Supreme Court

Sao Paulo, 27 January (Argus) — Brazilian oil and gas regulator ANP will ask the Brazilian Supreme Court to decide whether Sao Paulo state's decree giving it more authority over natural gas infrastructure is legal.

Under the Brazilian constitution, states regulate gas distribution to final users but federal authorities regulate overall transportation. Lawyers for ANP argue that Sao Paulo state Decree No 65.889 defining which pipelines are considered main transportation routes and which are for area distribution in the state is unconstitutional and should be struck down. They argue that under Brazil's new national gas law such definitions fall under national regulator ANP's jurisdiction.

The state decree, approved by governor Joao Doria in July 2021, created controversy in the gas industry when it was launched. Some market participants worry that if the definition of distribution pipelines is interpreted broadly enough to allow larger structures and systems to fall under state rule, it could unfairly benefit local gas distribution companies and even hinder competition for gas suppliers.