Brasília, July 23, 2025 — Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) has announced a sweeping new initiative that prioritizes the fuel market for antitrust scrutiny over the next two years. The move is aimed at bolstering free market competition and cracking down on anti-competitive practices in a sector considered vital to both the national economy and consumer welfare.
The new ordinance, published today, sets out a coordinated plan of action involving CADE’s General Superintendence (SG/Cade), Department of Economic Studies (DEE), and other technical and support units. Measures will include intensified investigations into cartel behavior, updated econometric and legal analyses, and interagency collaboration with the Federal Police, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
A public hearing on the fuel market is also scheduled for 2025, signaling CADE’s intent to maintain transparency and involve civil society and industry stakeholders in its regulatory agenda.
“The fuel market affects not only the daily expenses of Brazilians but also the entire production chain and national competitiveness,” said CADE President Gustavo Augusto. “This initiative reflects our commitment to listen to society and our partners, step up investigations, and dismantle possible cartels in this critical sector.”
CADE’s history of action in the fuel industry has already borne fruit. Just last month, the agency fined seven gas station chains in the Federal District a combined R$155 million for collusion. Since 2013, CADE has tried 26 cartel cases in the fuel sector, 18 of which resulted in convictions, yielding R$755.7 million in fines.
Past enforcement efforts also include a 2017 settlement agreement (TCC) with various companies and individuals, resulting in more than R$90 million in contributions and the implementation of structural reforms aimed at improving market dynamics.
Anti-competitive practices in fuel distribution have also been punished in several other states, including São Paulo, Amazonas, Maranhão, Espírito Santo, and Santa Catarina, indicating that the problem spans the country.
With this new front of action, CADE is positioning itself as a key player in ensuring fair pricing and healthy competition in the fuel market—an area long plagued by cartel allegations and price-fixing concerns.
