ANP Presents Proposal to Modernize E&P Licensing Rounds in Partnership With B3
On April 27, 2026, the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) held the “ANP’s New E&P Licensing Model: Partnership with B3” workshop, aimed at representatives of the oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) industry. The purpose of the event was to present to market participants the proposed redesign of ANP’s licensing model, developed in partnership with B3, as well as to gather feedback, suggestions and questions from industry stakeholders.
According to ANP, the proposed changes are not expected to affect the Permanent Offer cycles scheduled for 2026, with implementation currently expected as of 2027.
The proposal seeks to preserve ANP’s responsibility for the strategic aspects of licensing rounds while assigning operational execution and bidding infrastructure to a specialized entity.
Among the main changes presented are:
- Full digitalization of licensing documentation, eliminating physical document submissions;
- The possibility of holding bidding rounds either at B3’s headquarters or through a fully virtual format; and
- Operational restructuring intended to allow ANP to focus on strategic decisions regarding offered areas and licensing design.
During the workshop, ANP emphasized that the objective of the initiative is to increase operational efficiency, modernize bidding procedures, and enhance predictability throughout the licensing process.
To implement the proposed model, amendments to the Permanent Offer bidding documents will be required and will be subject to public consultation and public hearing procedures.
The proposal signals a broader modernization effort within Brazil’s oil and gas licensing framework, and may have relevant implications for operators and investors participating in ANP bidding rounds.
The Energy Practice of Tauil & Chequer Advogados associated with Mayer Brown remains available to provide further clarification regarding the regulatory implications of the proposed changes.
