In brief
President Lula celebrated a fresh oil find off the Amazon River, saying it could drive Brazil’s future. He stresses that the revenue will fund a shift to renewable energy, even as the discovery is criticized by environmentalists for its potential harm to the biodiverse river mouth. The find, 175 kilometres from the coast at a depth of 2,886 metres, still has an uncertain commercial outlook. Local towns are hopeful for jobs, while opponents warn of spills threatening wetlands and reefs. Lula’s comments echo his campaign pledges ahead of the April elections.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva celebrates oil discovery near the Amazon River
Lula hailed the find announced by state‑run Petrobras, saying it could be "a passport to the country’s future".
He argues that oil revenue will help fund the nation’s transition to renewable energy and emphasises that he will eventually phase out fossil fuels.
The discovery, 175 kilometres off the coast at a depth of 2,886 metres, has an uncertain commercial viability and could threaten the biodiverse Amazon mouth and its reefs.
Environmentalists warned that spills could reach wetlands teeming with wildlife, while Lula dismissed foreign criticism as meddling and defended national sovereignty.
Locals in Oiapoque hope the exploration will bring jobs, but citizens of the surrounding area insist they must also consider environmental risks.
Petrobras chief executive Magda Chambriard confirmed the company’s optimism, and the president pointed out that the exploration began in October 2025.
Interactive map of the discovery site is provided below.
