Brazil extends free cooking gas program for low income families to 2031

The Brazilian federal government extended the Auxílio Gás do Povo program until November 19, 2031, through a provisional measure published in the Diário Oficial da União.

This extension ensures that the social policy continues to provide free cooking gas to low income residents who would have lost the benefit on November 19 of this year. The program provides free 13 kg liquefied petroleum gas cylinders to families registered in the Cadastro Único.

To qualify, individuals must have a monthly income of up to half a minimum wage, which amounts to R$ 810,50 in 2026. The Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger stated that the measure aims to reduce energy poverty and improve food security for the millions of people the program reaches. The government of Luiz Inácio Lula das Silva (PT) plans to serve approximately 15.4 million families next year.

The 2027 Annual Budget Bill earmarks R$ 7.6 billion for the initiative. On Tuesday, the Gás do Povo program released 3.1 million vouchers for free gas refills.