The Petrobras logo tells the story of a company marked by determination and achievements. Its lines and shapes reflect the character and dynamics of its work, serving as a visual anchor in the energy sector. The emblem evokes resilience and readiness for action, highlighting the company’s path.
Brazilian president Getúlio Vargas created Petrobras in 1953, when Brazil produced about 2,700 barrels of oil per day. The slogan “The oil is ours” reflected the national debate over control of energy resources. The company’s expansion gained pace in 1961 with the opening of the REDUC refinery near Rio de Janeiro.
In 1963, Petrobras created the Cenpes research center, later described in the source history as one of the world’s largest energy research centers. Since 1953, the company has worked on shale oil processing and developed Petrosix extraction technology. In the 1990s, it began processing shale oil with an industrial retort that reportedly handled 260 tons of oil shale per hour in 2006.
In 1968, Petrobras founded Petrobras Quimica SA, or Petroquisa, a subsidiary focused on petrochemicals and naphtha processing. In 1994, the company built Petrobras 36, described as the world’s largest oil platform, though it sank after an explosion in 2001. In 1997, Law No. 9478 opened Brazil’s oil and gas market to private investors, ending the sector’s closed structure while leaving Petrobras in a dominant position.
In 2014, Petrobras faced corruption allegations involving bribes to public officials in exchange for expensive contracts. The case led to the CEO’s resignation and the departure of several senior executives, with investigations continuing. According to the provided history, Petrobras was expected to become Brazil’s largest company and a leading Latin American oil company by 2022.
Meaning and History
What is Petrobras?
Once a state monopoly, Brazil’s national oil corporation is now one of the world’s leading deepwater oil producers. It operates South America’s largest network of oil refineries and a pipeline system connecting the country’s key economic centers. The company is particularly renowned for its achievements in developing deepwater fields off Brazil’s coast, where oil is extracted from pre-salt layers at record-breaking depths. Its structure includes a well-developed network of gas stations and petrochemical facilities that produce a range of products, from basic petroleum products to specialized chemicals for various industries.
1953 – 1958
1958 – 1972
1972 – 1994
1994 – today
The Petrobras logo combines national motifs, simplicity of shapes, and a focus on modernity. The green, yellow, and white color scheme directly echoes the Brazilian flag, emphasizing the company’s connection to its country and culture.
The text is set in bold green. The slanted letters add movement and energy, reflecting the company’s drive for growth and innovation. The font has details such as the curved leg of the letter “R,” creating a unique visual effect. The entire text appears confident and stable yet remains easy to read.
To the left of the text is a square symbol divided into three parts. The top third is yellow, the lower two-thirds are green, and a horizontal white stripe runs through the middle. Inside the square is the abbreviation “BR,” which stands for Brazil. The white letters stand out against the green background, emphasizing the national affiliation.
The colors carry deep meaning. Green represents natural resources and responsible use. Yellow symbolizes energy, wealth, and optimism, qualities the country embodies. White adds purity and harmony, balancing the vibrant elements.
The Petrobras emblem design conveys pride in the company’s national roots, its confidence on the international stage, and its pursuit of development. The simple and concise form makes the logo recognizable, while the color palette makes it bright and memorable.





