The round for the Santos basin acreage will be Brazil's first proceeding under a 2010 production-sharing regime regulated by the country's National Petroleum Agency (ANP).

The anticipated event will be held on 22 October in Rio de Janeiro and expecting to attract high interest, withPortuguese player Galp already expressingits intent to bid.

Petrobras will operate the blocks with at least a 30% stake, but multinational companies will be allowed to pursue the remaining share.

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