Hello. This week’s issues: the most important facts of the week. Brazil a “problematic” country for journalists. How markets performed this week. Brazilian escalating fintech war.
This week in review
Fuel crisis. After President Bolsonaro blocked a bump in diesel prices—leading to a BRL 32bn loss in Petrobras market value—the company announced it is raising its fares by BRL 0.10/liter. The government also asserted the firm’s political independence. In reaction, leaders of truckers’ unions started to call for a new strike for April 29. Last year, the sector stopped work for 10 days, causing fuel and food shortages across the country.
Oil. The Brazilian government will request a BRL 106bn signing bonus in an October 28 auction of surplus oil from the deepwater pre-salt layer, according to Economy Minister Paulo Guedes. The auction comes after the settlement of a years-long battle between Petrobras and the federal government, for the rights to explore the reserves.
Telecom. China’s Huawei is making a second attempt to cracking theBrazilian smartphone market, with three new flagship models. Back in 2014, the giant launched its first model in Brazil, but failed to catch on. Latin America’s largest market (and 4th-largest worldwide) remains a challenge for Huawei,...