Brazil appoints nationalist as head of the ANP

Brazil's Mines and Energy Ministry has named José Fantine to be the new head of the National Petroleum Agency (ANP).

March 21, 2005

Peter Howard Wertheim
OGJ correspondent

RIO DE JANEIRO, Mar. 21 -- Brazil's Mines and Energy Ministry has named José Fantine to be the new head of the National Petroleum Agency (ANP).

Fantine is a chemical engineer and former employee of Brazil's state-owned oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras), having reached the post of CEO at its retail unit, BR Distribuidora.

Fantine currently works at the engineering research center Coppe at the federal university of Rio de Janeiro.

Fantine has in the past voiced his support for the Petrobras's monopoly over petroleum exploration, but told the local press that he supported the current model of ANP conducted licensing tenders because it has attracted foreign investments to the country.

The appointment has to be confirmed by the Senate floor following approval by the Senate's infrastructure committee.

ANP is currently headed by ANP Director Haroldo Lima after Sebastião do Rêgo Barros's term expired in January.