Last week, Brazil’s state-controlled oil company Petrobras issued a warning to the Brazilian populace, saying gas pumps could run dry unless it is allowed to sell fuel at market rates. The Brazilian government had been applying pressure to the company to lower fuel prices. After the warning was issued, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s government sacked Petrobas’ CEO, the second time it had done so in two months, and indicated it was going to alter the company’s market-based pricing of fuel.

The Brazilian Mines and Energy Ministry on Friday tried to calm fears when it told the nation it had enough fuel in inventories to supply the nation’s fuel needs for 38 days, if all imports were to end. The Ministry said specifically it was trying to ally any fears caused by the Petrobras statement, adding, “If imports of this fuel were to cease today, stocks, together with domestic production, would be sufficient to supply the country for 38 days.”

The Ministry pointed out that in March it had created a special committee to monitor supplies of diesel fuel, and said since then it had increased inventories.

Chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, Ciro Nogueira said the President is “anguished” over high fuel prices and that e company’s pricing policy will now be aligned with the philosophy of a new energy minister, who took office this month.