DayofPal—Brazil halted direct crude oil exports to Israel in 2025, marking a major victory for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and pressure campaigns led by unions and civil society groups.
According to official data from Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Foreign Trade and Services (MDIC) and the National Agency of Petroleum (ANP), Brazilian crude oil exports to Israel dropped to zero barrels in 2025.
The shift came after Brazil had been one of Israel’s key oil suppliers in 2024, ranking as its fourth-largest source and providing around 9% of its crude imports, with exports valued at more than $215 million.
The change followed months of pressure from Brazilian oil workers’ unions and activists calling for a full energy embargo on Israel.
The campaigns urged the government to stop supplying fuel that could support Israel’s military attacks, in line with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s pro-Palestinian stance.
The BDS movement hailed the halt in direct exports as a sign that public pressure can influence economic ties and reduce complicity in Israel’s attacks.
However, activists warned that the campaign is not over, as Brazilian oil may still reach Israel indirectly through third countries and refineries.
Reports indicate that Brazilian crude could be routed through facilities such as Italy’s Saras refinery before reaching Israel.
Brazil’s state oil company Petrobras said it sells crude to international traders and does not control its final destination.
Activists say Brazil must address these indirect routes to ensure its oil does not continue reaching Israel through intermediaries.
They described the campaign as part of broader global efforts to pressure companies and governments over energy ties with Israel, following similar moves such as Colombia’s coal export restrictions.
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