RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazil's mines and energy minister asked Petrobras Chief Executive to have the state-run oil firm consider a new cut in the average price of diesel sold to distributors in Brazil, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Monday.

Minister Alexandre Silveira cited to CEO Magda Chambriard the recent price drop in oil prices and the stability of the dollar as conditions that would allow the price cut, said the source, adding that the talks happened last week. Silveira's request was previously reported by CNN Brasil.