Fact Check: Brazil auctions 172 oil blocks near the Amazon despite fierce protests
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, Brazil conducted an auction for 172 oil blocks near the Amazon River, despite significant protests from environmental and Indigenous groups. The auction took place in a luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro and was organized by Brazil's National Oil Agency. Most of the blocks auctioned are located in areas without current production, including 47 offshore locations near the mouth of the Amazon River and two inland sites close to Indigenous territories (AP News).
Protesters, including Indigenous leaders and environmental activists, voiced their concerns about the potential risks that oil drilling poses to sensitive ecosystems and Indigenous communities. They highlighted the lack of consultation and environmental studies regarding the impact of such drilling (AP News).
The auction concluded with 34 blocks awarded to companies like Chevron, ExxonMobil, Petrobras, and CNPC, generating a record $180 million in signing bonuses (AP News). Critics argue that this move contradicts Brazil's environmental commitments, especially as it prepares to host the U.N.’s first climate talks in the Amazon later that year (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Brazil auctioned off 172 oil blocks near the Amazon amidst protests is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press, a well-respected news organization, reported on the auction and the surrounding protests, detailing the specifics of the auction and the reactions from various stakeholders (AP News).
The auction's timing, just months before significant climate discussions, raises questions about Brazil's commitment to environmental protection. Critics, including Nicole Oliveira from the environmental nonprofit Arayara, have labeled the auction as "irresponsible" and indicative of a broader contradiction in Brazil's environmental policy (AP News).
The auction's details are corroborated by other sources, including ABC News and Mongabay, which also report on the number of blocks auctioned and the protests that accompanied the event (ABC News, Mongabay). These sources provide additional context regarding the environmental implications and the reactions from Indigenous communities, further validating the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Brazil auctioned 172 oil blocks near the Amazon despite fierce protests is accurate. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms the details of the auction, the locations of the oil blocks, and the protests from Indigenous and environmental groups. The auction represents a significant move by Brazil to expand its oil production, raising critical concerns about environmental impacts and Indigenous rights.
