Oil production losses resulting from an indefinite strike by oil workers appear to be diminishing as Brazil's state-controlled Petrobras brings in contingency teams to operate some of the 48 Campos basin platforms now participating in the work action.
Petrobras says losses from the strike were around 140,000 b/d on 4 November, a 6.5pc decrease from pre-strike production. The lost output was 178,000 b/d, or 8.5pc of pre-strike output, on 3 November, and 273,000 b/d, or 13pc of pre-strike output, on 2 November, the first full day of the strike action.
The federation of oil workers FUP says Petrobras is underestimating the strike´s impact. It says lost Campos basin oil flow is closer to 500,000 b/d, or 25pc of pre-strike levels.
The union says of the 48 participating Campos basin platforms, 30 are paralyzed and another six are partially operating.
Most of Brazil´s production comes from the Campos basin.
Petrobras has brought in contingency teams to operate 12 platforms in some of the biggest oil-producing fields, such as 254,000 b/d Roncador. But others, such as the 20,000 b/d deepwater Papa-Terra, have been shut in.
Chevron, which is partnered with operator Petrobras on Papa-Terra, told Argus that Petrobras stopped production at the field on 2 November because of labor issues.
The field is operated by Petrobras with a 62.5pc stake. Chevron holds the remaining 37.5pc.
The field produces from floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit P-63 and tension leg well platform (TLWP) P-61 in September.
Among other foreign companies with operations in Brazil, European firms Shell and Statoil say their operations have not been affected by the strike. The UK´s BG has deferred to Petrobras as the operator.
The effects of the strike are now having a more pronounced impact on downstream operations, the FUP says.
Petroleum coke production at the 239,000 b/d Duque de Caxias (REDUC) and 415,000 b/d Campinas (REPLAN) refineries has been interrupted, corresponding to a daily loss of around R1mn ($263,907) for Petrobras, the labor group says.
The impact on fuel processing at Petrobras' 13 domestic refineries is uncertain, but Petrobras and oil regulator ANP have said fuel supply has not been affected. Brazilian labor legislation requires high-risk operations such as refineries to remain in service during labor actions.
"Petrobras continues to take all necessary measures to ensure the maintenance of its operations, the preservation of its installations and the safety of its workers," Petrobras said.
Oil workers are seeking a wage increase and a halt to Petrobras' divestment plans.
The heavily indebted company aims to generate around $58bn in asset sales and corporate restructurings through 2018. Union leaders and Petrobras management have not set a date for a next round of negotiations.
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