Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has hailed an oil discovery near the mouth of the Amazon river, saying it could help shape the country’s future.
Speaking after the find was announced by state-run oil firm Petrobras, Lula said the result could be “a passport to the country’s future”. He backed the next steps for exploration in a frontier offshore area known as the Brazilian Equatorial Margin, despite criticism from environmentalists concerned about the risks to a sensitive ecosystem.
Oil Discovered off Amazon Coast
Petrobras said drilling at sea about 175km (110 miles) off the Amazon coast found oil. The company has not yet released details on the size of the field.
It is also not clear whether producing the resource would be commercially viable. The oil is located at a depth of 2,886m (9,469ft), where deep-water extraction would require complex and costly operations.
Conservationists have warned that the Equatorial Margin is highly biodiverse, raising concerns that any spill could damage marine life and habitats, including nearby reefs. They also fear currents could carry oil towards coastal wetlands rich in wildlife.
Lula Backs Exploration Despite Criticism
Lula, who is seeking another four-year term in elections scheduled for October, said he remains committed to eventually reducing fossil fuel use to tackle climate change.
He previously dismissed concerns from conservationists as “meddling” and again rejected criticism from abroad on Monday. He said foreign interference would not be accepted, arguing that Brazil should control decisions linked to its natural resources.
“This means national sovereignty. Any country which has oil of this quality won’t allow anyone to butt in,” he said.
The environmental backlash intensified after Lula approved exploratory drilling shortly before Brazil hosted COP30 last November. Environmentalists said the timing showed a lack of alignment with climate commitments.
Petrobras Says Discovery Confirms Strategy
Petrobras began the deep-water exploration operation in the area in October 2025. The company’s chief executive, Magda Chambriard, said the discovery confirmed that Petrobras’s “optimism” about finding oil in the Brazilian Equatorial Margin was justified.
Chambriard added that the firm was committed to “ensuring the country’s energy security”.
Lula has argued that revenues from oil would be needed to finance Brazil’s shift towards non-fossil fuels. On Monday, he said Brazil would continue developing renewable energy and biofuels.
“I’m not denying my commitment to the fight for a day when we no longer need fossil fuels, because Brazil will continue to be the king of biofuel innovation and will remain a major player in renewable energy.”
Lula also referred to anger he faced at the time of the licence approval, including opposition in Europe. He said some critics argued that announcing Petrobras’s win of the licence before COP would provoke European reactions.
Local Hopes Rise Ahead of Election
The prospect of oil production has already affected communities near the coast. In Oiapoque, in Amapá state, local housing authorities said the expectation of jobs and opportunities has driven an influx of residents.
With less than two months to go before the presidential election, Lula is seeking support for economic development in a remote part of Brazil while trying to manage concerns over potential environmental impacts.
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19 August 2026
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