Resolution 6/2013 from the Brazilian National Council for Energy Policy (CNPE, in the Portuguese acronym) was published on August 7, 2013, and authorizes the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuel (ANP, in the Portuguese acronym) to hold the 12th Bidding Round of blocks for exploration and production of oil and natural gas.

According to the Resolution, ANP will offer 240 exploratory blocks in 7 basins: Acre, Parecis, São Francisco, Paraná, Parnaíba, Recôncavo and Sergipe-Alagoas.

The 12th Bidding Round is expected to be held in November 2013 and will be the first auction focused on the exploration and production of unconventional gas (shale gas) in Brazil.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.