(Updates with additional details from Gecezx's statement throughout the copy.)
Brazil's Executive Management Committee of the Foreign Trade Chamber, or Gecex, on Thursday approved a 60-day extension for the continued application of a 12% export tax on crude oil, the committee said in an emailed response to.
According to Reuters, which reported the story earlier on Thursday, Gecex maintained a temporary measure introduced in March.
Reuters also reported that officials had recently signaled lower oil prices could justify easing or scrapping the levy, but ultimately decided to keep it in place.
Gecex toldthe temporary measure is intended to preserve stability in the oil market by ensuring adequate domestic refining conditions and protecting Brazil from potential fuel shortages.
The committee said the decision reflects a deterioration in the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, particularly renewed tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The measure will be reassessed after 30 days based on developments in international markets and their impact on oil and fuel supplies.
The full text of the resolutions is expected to be published later Thursday on the Camex website.