Brazil Extends Gás do Povo Program to 2031 to Support Low-Income Families

The Brazilian federal government has extended the Gás do Povo program, which provides free cooking gas to low-income families, until November 19, 2031. This extension, formalized through Provisional Measure 1.400/2026 and published in the Official Gazette on October 9, 2026, builds on the program’s initial establishment in 2021 by Law 14.237 and its free-benefit model since 2025.

Currently benefiting around 15 million households, approximating 45 million people, the program offers free refills for 13-kilogram cooking gas cylinders, allowing four to six refills annually. To qualify, families must have a monthly per capita income of up to half a minimum wage and be registered in the Cadastro Único for Social Programs with updated data and compliant CPF status.

The government has earmarked R$ 7.6 billion for the program in 2027, aiming to assist 15.4 million families according to the proposed Annual Budget Law. Additionally, 3.1 million gas vouchers are set for distribution, including 380,500 for new beneficiaries and 2.7 million for existing participants. The initiative seeks to combat energy poverty, improve food and nutritional security by enabling families to cook adequately at home, and maintain a vital support system amid rising liquefied petroleum gas prices.

The Secretariat of Social Communication (Secom) emphasized the importance of the program and warned against misinformation spreading on social media about its status, urging the public to seek verified information through official channels and the Disque Social 121 helpline.

For the extension to become permanent, the provisional measure requires ratification by the National Congress within 120 days, excluding the year-end recess.