Less than 24 hours after sanction the law that unifies the collection of the Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS) on fuels throughout the country, President Jair Bolsonaro did not rule out, this Saturday (12), adopting new measures – such as the introduction of subsidies or even a change in the price policy of the Petrobras – to contain the increase in gasoline and diesel. 
After participating this Saturday (12) in an affiliation event for federal deputies at the PL’s headquarters, in Brasília, Bolsonaro assessed that the compensation in fuel prices, granted from a Complementary Law Project (PLC), approved this week by the Congress, will help ensure that the readjustment granted by Petrobras to diesel this week – around 25% – does not fully reach the fuel pumps.
The chief executive also said that the government is studying a similar measure for gasoline. The proposal could reach the Legislature next week. “The Senate decided to change at the last minute. Otherwise, we would also have a discount on gasoline, which is quite high. [a alta] it’s all over the world. But, if we can improve this here, we cannot excuse ourselves and accommodate. If we can decrease here, we will do it”, he guaranteed.
subsidy
Recognizing to journalists that the price of fuel is high, Jair Bolsonaro highlighted that the sanction caused the increase of R$0.90 in a liter of gasoline to be reduced to R$0.30. Still according to him, the conflict in Ukraine could put even more pressure on the price of oil on the international market.
“We prefer not to spend, not having to spend with subsidies, but if necessary, for Brazil’s economy not to stop, not to stop, we prefer, for sure Paulo Guedes will prefer a measure like this or an equivalent alternative” , advanced.
Petrobras Policy
Regarding Petrobras’ pricing policy, the president criticized the parity with international prices, which pegs the value of gasoline to the dollar. The rule, assessed, pleases the state’s shareholders, but harms the consumer. Bolsonaro said that it is up to Petrobras to present a proposal to change this dynamic.
“I have a policy of not interfering, knowing Petrobras’ legal obligations. And, for me, particularly speaking, it is an absurd profit that Petrobras has, at an atypical moment in the world. It is not just an internal issue of ours. that I am satisfied with the readjustment, I am not. But I will not interfere in the market”, he said in Brasília.
Replacement
Without criticizing the president of the state-owned company, Joaquim Silva e Luna, when asked if the military could be changed from the command of the company, Bolsonaro said that with the exception of him and the vice president, Hamilton Mourão, “anyone in the government can be changed”.
“There are certain things I don’t need to comment on. He [Silva e Luna] will call me and say: ‘Are you satisfied with the readjustment?’. Won’t call. He knows what I think about it and what any Brazilian thinks about it. Now, Brazilians have to understand that whoever decides this price is not the President of the Republic. It is Petrobras with its directors and its boards,” he said.
