Abeda, the association in Brazil which represents asphalt distribution companies, says there is a risk of a shortage in asphalt in 2014 due to the increased demand for national infrastructure work and new road concessions.
In 2013 Brazilian companies reported temporary shortages in several states, while average monthly production stood at 227,121tonnes in Petrobras refineries operating above their limits. The deficit has to be compensated by increased imports, which increases costs. Abeda says imports could increase in 2014 in order to meet the 8% increase in demand expected from new road concessions in 2014 and 2015, with demand for 2014 estimated at 3.3 million tonnes, up from 2.7 million tonnes in 2013
Petrobras has stated that it does not expect any risk of shortages, with production matching market demand. The company also reported that production at its refineries accounted for around 98% of the demand in 2013, with the remaining 2% imported.
