On June 17, 2025, Brazil's National Petroleum Agency (ANP) held an auction granting concessions for oil exploration and exploitation in 172 areas. These areas include several in the ecologically sensitive Foz do Amazonas basin, near the Amazon River's mouth.
The auction awarded 19 blocks to Petrobras, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and China's CNPC. Petrobras, in consortium with ExxonMobil, secured five blocks, while a consortium led by Chevron and CNPC acquired nine more. Another consortium, also between Petrobras and ExxonMobil, was awarded five additional blocks.
The Foz do Amazonas basin is known for its biodiversity and indigenous communities. Environmentalists and experts have expressed concerns about potential oil spills, arguing that oil exploitation could negatively impact the ecosystem and local communities. The auction has sparked debate over balancing economic development and environmental protection in Brazil.