Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approved on Monday, February 2, the Provisional Measure establishing the Gás do Povo program, providing free cooking gas cylinders to low-income families. With 415 favorable votes, the bill now heads to the Senate for review. The initiative aims to combat energy poverty and replace the Gas Aid, benefiting up to 15 million families by March.
The approval took place in the year's first deliberative session, marking a win for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration. The Provisional Measure (MP), valid until February 11, establishes free liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders of 13 kg for families registered in the Unified Registry (CadÚnico) with per capita income up to half the minimum wage. Priority goes to Bolsa Família beneficiaries.
Currently, the program operates in all capitals, with voluntary adhesion from about 35% of resellers in capitals, according to the National Syndicate of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Distribution Companies (Sindigas). In the first phase, started on January 26 in 17 municipalities, adhesion ranges from 25% to 30%, while in initial cities it reaches 52%. The government plans to expand to all municipalities by March, serving 15 million families through over 10,000 accredited resellers. Until full coverage, cash payments continue for Gas Aid beneficiaries, which served 4.4 million families every two months.
The rapporteur, Deputy Hugo Leal (PSD-RJ), expanded the MP's scope to include biodigesters and low-carbon cooking systems, especially in rural areas without cylinder access. Community and solidarity kitchens were also added as targets, with possible funding from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, states, municipalities, or environmental fines. "Biodigesters are an existing innovation that can use waste to produce gas," Leal explained.
Chamber President Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) emphasized: “Gás do Povo promotes dignity, eases family budgets, ensures safety, and provides energy inclusion.” The MP also amends the economic order crimes law, reclassifying certain LPG uses like saunas and pool heating, except automotive. Two additions were included by agreement: one on the electricity sector and another on tax waivers for naval and oil industries.
