Brazil: Oil workers to protest at the Alberto Pasqualina Refinery in Canoas July 18

Event

Workers affiliated with the Union of Oil Workers of Rio Grande do Sul plan to protest at the Alberto Pasqualini Refinery (REFAP) in Canoas outside of Porto Alegre starting at 07:00 July 18. The purpose of the action is to denounce state-owned oil company Petrobras' plans to privatize several of Brazil's refineries, including REFAP and the Gabriel Passos Refinery (REGAP) in Minas Gerais, among others. It remains unclear how many participants the gathering may draw.

Authorities will likely deploy an increased security presence near the refinery during the demonstration. Localized transport disruptions are possible, particularly if protesting workers block trucks and other vehicles from accessing the facility. Low-level confrontations between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard precaution and to mitigate likely ground travel delays. Heed instructions from the security forces. Leave the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Confirm business appointments at REFAP until the demonstration ends and the participants have dispersed.