Gasmig, a distributor controlled by Cemig, has implemented a flexible hybrid contract model that enables a manufacturing plant in Minas Gerais to utilize natural gas acquired through the Union's first auction. This arrangement allows Multitécnica Industrial, a fertilizer manufacturer based in Sete Lagoas, to combine purchases from both the free and captive markets without violating its current supply agreement.
Multitécnica secured 10,000 cubic meters of gas per day through Wieza Gás e Energia, a commercializer based in Belo Horizonte that also facilitated the contractual arrangement with Gasmig. Under this hybrid model, a portion of the industry's consumption will be met by federal gas, while the remainder stays within the captive market until the current contract expires. The physical delivery of the fuel will continue to be managed through the distributor's existing network.
Gustavo De Marchi, president of Gasmig, stated that the company supports its clients in this transition through consultative arrangements that blend free and captive markets gradually. He emphasized that these hybrid models prevent contractual ruptures while maintaining delivery via their infrastructure. The distributor noted that support for industrial clients includes market condition analysis, contractual flexibility, and regulatory assistance for transitioning to the free market.
De Marchi highlighted that the auction results reflect strong industrial interest in expanding supply options, citing the full sale of volumes, demand exceeding supply, and competitive pricing as confirmation of this appetite. The auction, conducted by PPSA (Pré-Sal Petróleo) on October 22, negotiated 110 lots totaling 1.1 million cubic meters per day. A total of 23 companies purchased gas with an average premium of 35%, with supply scheduled between March and December 2027.
In addition to Multitécnica, major groups operating in Minas Gerais, including Vale, CSN, Gerdau, and Samarco, also secured volumes in the auction. Contract prices will be calculated monthly based on 115% of the average reference quotes from the Henry Hub indicator in the month prior to supply, plus the specific premium of each winning bid. The final cost delivered to industries will also include taxes, transportation, and distribution fees.
Sources: CNN Brasil.