Brazil’s Justice Ministry on Friday sent a notification to state-run company Petrobras requesting it to clarify its latest hike in fuel prices.

The request, made through the national consumer bureau Senacon, was filed on Thursday after consumers queued at gas stations across the country, shortly after the company announced an 18% increase in gasoline prices and a 24% increase in diesel prices.

The state-owned company was previously notified by the ministry in October last year for the same reason. However, Petrobras “did not clearly forward the questions raised at the time,” according to the ministry.

“The oil company should provide information for an understanding of the dynamics of fuel markets, so that suggestions can be made for improvement with the perspective of consumer protection and defense,” said the statement.

Petrobras did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source: Reuters (Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Writing by Peter Frontini; Editing by David Gregorio)