2.11 Provisions and other long-term liabilities
Provisions for asset retirement obligations, deferred income, restructuring obligations and legal claims are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and the amount has been reliably estimated. Restructuring provisions comprise lease termination penalties and employee termination payments.
Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as financial expense.
2.11.1 Asset Retirement Obligation
The Group records the fair value of the liability for asset retirement obligations in the period in which the wells are drilled. When the liability is initially recorded, the Group capitalises the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value at each reporting period, and the capitalised cost is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the related asset. According to interpretations and application of current legislation and on the basis of the changes in technology and the variations in the costs of restoration necessary to protect the environment, the Group has considered it appropriate to periodically re-evaluate future costs of well-capping. The effects of this recalculation are included in the financial statements in the period in which this recalculation is determined and reflected as an adjustment to the provision and the corresponding property, plant and equipment asset.
2.11.2 Deferred Income
Relates to contributions received in cash from the Group’s clients to improve the project economics of gas wells. The amounts collected are reflected as a deferred income in the balance sheet and recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Income over the productive life of the associated wells. The depreciation of the gas wells that generated the deferred income is charged to the Consolidated Statement of Income simultaneously with the amortisation of the deferred income. The addition in 2016 and the amounts used in 2017 correspond to the deferred income related to the take or pay provision associated to gas sales in Brazil.
