The state-led Brazilian firm said it would target outlays of $236.7 billion in its 2013-2017 business plan, up slightly from $236.5 billion in the 2012-2016 budget.

Of the total amount, the company plans $147.5 billion, or 62% of the total, for exploration and production, it said in a statement.

International spending is targeted at $5.1 billion, or 2% of the budget.

Petrobras has aimed high with the mammoth spending programme, but has struggled