ANP Revokes Manguinhos Refinery Licence

Why did ANP cancel Manguinhos Refinery's operating licence?

Brazil's National Petroleum Agency (ANP) revoked the operating authorisation of Refinaria de Manguinhos, owned by Refit, because the company's federal tax registration number (CNPJ) was suspended by the Receita Federal. Under ANP Resolution 852/2021, which governs fuel-derivative production, a suspended, inactive or cancelled CNPJ automatically triggers the extinction of the operating licence — regardless of the reason for the suspension.

What did Refit argue in its defence?

Refit argued that the CNPJ suspension was temporary, stemming from a provisional ruling by Brazil's Supreme Court (STF). The company called the revocation "disproportionate" and proposed alternatives, such as temporarily suspending the revocation process until a final court decision on the CNPJ status. ANP director Pietro Mendes, the case's rapporteur, rejected those arguments, stating that "revocation is the only legally adequate measure" and that operating without an active CNPJ creates legal uncertainty within the regulatory system.

What other legal troubles is Refit facing?

The problems do not stop at the ANP. Refit is considered Brazil's largest tax debtor. On 5 August, the State of Rio de Janeiro filed a petition at the 5th Business Court of the Capital District asking for the Manguinhos Group's ongoing judicial recovery process to be converted into bankruptcy. If accepted under Brazil's Bankruptcy Law, early asset sales would be possible. Court documents cite R$ 25.7 billion in tax debts — 38 times higher than when judicial recovery was granted in 2013. Debts owed to Rio state alone are estimated at R$ 14 billion.

When could the refinery's land be auctioned?

Separately, the federal government obtained a court order to proceed with a tax-enforcement auction of the land where Refinaria de Manguinhos sits. The auction is scheduled for 9 September.