2.b.7) Provisions and contingent liabilities
The Group makes a distinction between:
| i. | Provisions |
Represent legal or assumed obligations arising from past events, the settlement of which is expected to give rise to an outflow of resources and which amount and timing are uncertain. Provisions are recognized when the liability or obligation-giving rise to an indemnity or payment arises, to the extent that its amount can be reliably estimated and that the obligation to settle is probable or certain. Provisions include both obligations whose occurrence does not depend on future events (such as provisions for environmental liabilities and provision for hydrocarbon wells abandonment obligations); as well as obligations that are probable and can be reasonably estimated whose realization depends on the occurrence of future events that are out of the control of the Group (such as provisions for contingencies). The amount recorded as provision corresponds to the best estimate of expenditures required to settle the obligation, taking into consideration the relevant risks and uncertainties. See Note 14.
| ii. | Contingent liabilities |
Represent possible obligations that arise from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events not wholly within the control of the Group, or present obligations arising from past events, the amount of which cannot be estimated reliably or whose settlement is not likely to give rise to an outflow of resources embodying future economic benefits. Contingent liabilities are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements, but rather are disclosed to the extent they are significant, as required by IAS 37, “Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets”. See Note 28.
Provisions are measured at their current value of cash flows estimated to satisfy the obligation, applying a pre-tax rate that reflects the market valuations of the time value of money and the specific risks of the obligation. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized in the statement of comprehensive income.
When a contract qualifies as onerous, the related unavoidable liabilities are recognized in the consolidated financial statements as provisions, net of the expected benefits.
Except for provisions for hydrocarbon wells abandonment obligations, where the timing of settlement is estimated on the basis of the work plan of the Group, and considering the estimated production of each field (and therefore its abandonment), in relation to other noncurrent provisions, it is not possible to reasonably estimate a specific schedule of settlement of the provisions considering the characteristics of the concepts included.
In relation to certain provisions and contingent liabilities, the Group, in accordance with the established exemption contemplated in IAS 37, has decided not to set forth certain critical information that could seriously impair it in the claims made by third parties.