Brasília, March 4, 2026 — Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) has published a study indicating high levels of concentration in local fuel retail markets across the country.
The working paper, titled “Concentration in Liquid Fuel Retail: A Municipal Analysis Based on Corporate Networks (2025),” examines the competitive structure of gasoline, ethanol and diesel markets at the municipal level.
Using data from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels and Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service, the study analyzes ownership links between fuel stations through a methodology based on corporate networks.
According to CADE, the results show that concentration in fuel retail is widespread throughout Brazil, particularly in smaller municipalities, and may be higher than what consumers directly perceive in local markets.
The authority said the analysis contributes to improving competition assessments and public policies aimed at promoting competition in the fuel sector, while highlighting the importance of continued monitoring of the market.
