Petrobras extends loans from 2 Brazilian banks

SAO PAULO, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Brazilian state-controlled energy giant Petrobras (PETR4.SA)(PBR.N) said late on Monday it had extended an existing loan programme with two Brazilian banks, raising 5.6 billion reais ($2.34 billion) which it would repay by 2011.

The increase provided it with funds that were "suitable for its needs," it said in a statement.

It said it repaid early two loans to Banco do Brasil (BBAS3.SA) that were due in early 2009 and had renewed them, providing it with 2 billion reais.

It obtained a further 3.6 billion reais from the Caixa Economica Federal after paying a previous loan early. It renewed that loan and borrowed an additional 1.5 billion reais.

($1 = 2.393)

(Reporting by Peter Murphy, Editing by Inae Riveras, John Stonestreet)