Brazil’s government has officially approved joining OPEC+, the coalition of major oil-exporting nations, marking a significant step in the country’s evolution into a global oil power. The decision, announced Tuesday, comes just nine months before Brazil is set to host the United Nations’ annual climate summit, COP30.
OPEC+ includes the 12 member states of OPEC, the longstanding oil alliance that regulates production to stabilize markets, as well as 10 additional oil-producing nations, with Russia playing a dominant role. Brazil’s membership, however, will be limited to participation in the Charter of Cooperation, a non-binding forum where member countries discuss industry-related strategies. The country will not be required to adhere to production quotas or policy decisions.
Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira emphasized that Brazil’s role will be purely advisory, stating, “We should not be ashamed of being oil producers. Brazil needs to grow, develop, and create income and jobs.” The move reflects the country’s balancing act between economic growth and environmental responsibility, as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has positioned himself as both an environmental advocate and a proponent of oil revenue as a means to fund a transition to green energy.
Lula’s government has already taken aggressive steps to reduce deforestation in the Amazon and strengthen Indigenous rights. At the same time, the administration has pushed for exploratory drilling near the mouth of the Amazon River, a biodiversity hotspot, arguing that new oil discoveries could provide critical funding for sustainable energy initiatives.
Brazil is currently the world’s seventh-largest oil producer, pumping about 4.3 million barrels per day—roughly 4% of global output. In 2024, crude oil surpassed soybeans as the nation’s top export, accounting for 13.3% of total foreign sales. This economic reality has driven Brazil to align itself more closely with other leading oil producers, including the United States, which produces nearly 22 million barrels per day, and Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s top producer at 11 million barrels per day.
While industry experts view Brazil’s OPEC+ membership as a strategic and pragmatic move, it has sparked criticism from environmental advocates. Suely Araújo, a spokesperson for the Climate Observatory, called the decision “another sign of the government’s setback,” arguing that prioritizing fossil fuel exploration ignores the urgency of the climate crisis. “It indicates that we are choosing solutions from the past in the face of a huge challenge for the present and future,” she said.
Brazil’s OPEC+ Membership: Key Points
- Role in OPEC+: Brazil will participate in discussions but won’t be bound by production quotas.
- Economic Strategy: Oil now leads Brazil’s exports, fueling its global energy ambitions.
- Environmental Debate: Critics argue the move contradicts Brazil’s climate commitments.
- COP30 Backdrop: The decision comes as Brazil prepares to host the UN climate summit.
By joining OPEC+, Brazil is staking its claim as a major player in the global oil market while navigating the delicate balance between economic expansion and environmental responsibility. As COP30 approaches, the country’s dual role as an oil power and climate leader will face increasing scrutiny on the world stage.
