By an OGJ Online Correspondent
RIO DE JANEIRO, Apr. 25 -- Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) has reduced Brazil's crude production forecast due to the loss of the giant P-36 platform, which sank in the Campos basin.
The P-36 was producing 80,000 b/d. It had been expected to produce 90,000 b/d later this year and 180,000 b/d by 2005. The 40-story platform sank Mar. 20 after blasts damaged a support column on Mar. 15.
Petrobras said its crude production will average 1.39 million b/d this year instead of the 1.42 million projected earlier, and next year's output will be 1.52 million rather than 1.58 million.
Petrobras still estimates 1.9 million b/d for 2005 because of anticipated production from Marlim Sul field, which will make 77,000 b/d this year, almost double the forecast before the P-36 accident.
