Petrobras (PBR)

Renegotiation of the GSA

Our investment in the Bolivia-Brazil gas pipeline was the result of a 1996 gas supply agreement, or the GSA, for the purchase of natural gas between the Bolivian state oil company, Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos –YPFB, and us. The GSA requires us to purchase from YPFB specified quantities of natural gas transported through the pipeline over a 20-year term.

Since November 2002, we, or the Brazilian government on our behalf, have been attempting to renegotiate the terms of the GSA with YPFB to achieve reductions in the volume and price of natural gas we are required to purchase under the GSA. This renegotiation has been suspended due to the political instability in Bolivia. We cannot

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predict whether such renegotiation will continue in the future. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to our Operations— We are subject to substantial risks relating to our international operations, in particular in Latin America and the Middle East.”

Incentives to Distribution Companies. In order to accelerate the expansion of the natural gas market in Brazil, increase consumption and ultimately reduce the financial exposure from our ship-or-pay commitments, we announced in December 2003 a new program of discounts for natural gas distributors in certain regions of Brazil. Distributors in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and Mato Grosso do Sul will pay a discounted price for volumes sold in addition to contracted amounts, establishing also a ceiling price. If actual amounts sold exceed 40% of contracted amounts, we would reduce the base price according to a progressive schedule. Due to changes in the electricity market and in oil prices this program has been discontinued, except for the ceiling price.