The ongoing IBAMA strike has severe implications for the Oil & Gas industry, potentially resulting in a loss of between 80,000 and 220,000 barrels of oil per day. Delayed drilling and well connection campaigns are just the tip of the iceberg. The true impact is felt in the day-to-day operations, where a slower environmental authority leads to significant operational setbacks. Critical vessels enlisted in emergency response plans cannot be readily replaced, and production fields in need of maintenance face delays, risking operational integrity.
A close source from an independent oil company highlighted a specific case where a simple valve replacement on a well is stalled due to the mandatory approval process from the authority, which is now delayed by the strike.
The root cause of this strike lies in the outdated collective agreement for IBAMA personnel, last updated in 2014 and only enforced in 2025. Despite a decade passing, IBAMA remains one of the few institutions where employees do not receive incremental compensation for working in remote or hazardous locations. The career structure and plan, envisioned for a 22-year program, remain unchanged since its inception.
The industry is calling for urgent action, and it is imperative that the concerns of Ibama personnel are addressed promptly.
IBAMA on Strike: The Why and the Consequences
