# Brazil Extends Free Cooking Gas Program for Low-Income Families Until 2031 The government's provisional measure secures essential fuel access for over 15 million households. - **Source:** [G1 – Política](https://g1.globo.com/politica) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2ec67627-b97e-412c-b2a7-4226e763c07e ## Provisional Measure Extension The Brazilian government issued a provisional measure on Monday, September 9, extending the Gás do Povo program until November 2031. Originally launched in 2021, the initiative faced expiration this month. This policy ensures that over 15 million families continue receiving free 13 kg LPG cylinder refills at authorized retail locations nationwide. ## Budgetary Commitment Details The government has reserved 7.63 billion Brazilian reais in the 2027 Annual Budget Bill to fund this initiative. This specific allocation, labeled for promoting LPG access for low-income households, awaits final approval from the National Congress. The funding aims to support approximately 15.4 million families throughout the extended program duration. ## Health and Safety Goals Beyond financial relief, the program addresses public health concerns by reducing reliance on hazardous alternative fuels like firewood. The Ministry of Social Development emphasizes that indoor air pollution and household accidents disproportionately affect women and children. Providing free gas is a strategic move to improve living conditions and ensure basic rights. ## Eligibility Criteria Defined To qualify, families must be registered in the Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) with records updated within the last 24 months. The per capita monthly household income must be equal to or less than half the minimum wage. Priority is given to Bolsa Família beneficiaries and households consisting of two or more individuals. ## Automated Selection Process The Ministry of Social Development manages the selection of eligible families through an automated system. Once a household is verified, they receive a voucher for a free gas refill. Beneficiaries must ensure their CPF is regularized and their CadÚnico information remains current to maintain their eligibility for the ongoing support. ## Redemption Methods Available Beneficiaries can redeem their free gas refills using three distinct methods. Options include the Bolsa Família chip card, the CAIXA debit card, or by presenting the beneficiary's CPF alongside a validation code sent to their mobile phone. These diverse channels are designed to simplify access for families across various regions. ## Legislative Approval Required Although the executive branch has issued the provisional measure, the text must still undergo formal analysis by the National Congress. This legislative review is a standard requirement for such measures in Brazil. The outcome will determine the final legal framework for the program's operations through the end of 2031. ## Programmatic Impact Scope The program provides between four and six cylinder refills annually, depending on the specific size of the household. By stabilizing access to cooking fuel, the government aims to strengthen food security for millions. This long-term extension reflects a commitment to maintaining social safety nets for the nation's most vulnerable citizens. ## Sources covering this story - https://g1.globo.com/economia/noticia/2026/11/09/governo-federal-prorroga-ate-2031-programa-gas-do-povo.ghtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._