Important Changes for 2026
The Gas Assistance program will be replaced in 2026. The president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva launched, on Thursday (4), the new program People's Gaswhich promises to guarantee free cooking gas for low-income families across the country. The initiative replaces the Gas Assistance program and is expected to reach about 15,5 million families.
The announcement was made during an event at Serra agglomeratein Belo Horizonte, where Lula signed the provisional measure (MP) which establishes the program.
The provisional measure takes effect immediately, but needs to be approved by the National Congress within [number of days]. 120 days to remain valid.
According to the government, the distribution of the gas cylinders is scheduled to begin. from October 30directly to families, without intermediaries.
Unlike the previous model, which transferred money to the beneficiary, the People's Gas program will allow each family to... Remove the gas cylinder directly. at authorized retailers.
The People's Gas will be financed. entirely with public funds, without needing extra credits. A Annual Budget Law (LOA) already anticipates more than $ 3,57 billion for 2025. For 2026, the investment estimate rises to $ 5,1 billion.
How the program will work
Families registered in the program will be entitled to the benefit. Single Registry (CadÚnico) with a monthly per capita income of up to half minimum wage (at the moment R$759), with priority given to beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família program. The number of gas cylinders distributed per year varies according to family size:
- to 3 gas cylinders for families with 2 members;
- to 4 gas cylinders for families with 3 members;
- to 6 gas cylinders for families with 4 or more members.
A North East Region It should concentrate the largest number of families served, with an estimated 7,1 million of beneficiaries. Then come:
- Southeast: 4,4 million
- North: 2,1 million
- South: 1,1 million
- Midwest: 889 thousand
In total, the forecast is that approximately 65 million gas cylinders are distributed annually.
Ways to access the benefit
The program will be implemented through different means:
- official app of Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger (MDS), allowing you to locate accredited resellers and access your electronic voucher;
- Exclusive program card;
- Printed voucher, available for collection at branches of CEF or at lottery outlets;
- card from Family Bag.
Participating retailers must adopt standardized visual identity, reinforcing transparency and making it easier to identify the authorized location.
The price paid per unit will be determined regionally by the Ministries of Mines and Energy and Finance, based on data from... ANP.
The differentiation by state takes regional variations into account and seeks to reduce inequalities. According to the government, it is important to remember that The reference price does not include the delivery freight for the cooking gas..
Common Mistakes and Scams: What to Avoid
Very common scams: Advertisements promising online registration, requests for bank details via WhatsApp, fake websites impersonating Caixa or the government.
Registration for CadÚnico is done in person; the government not It asks for your bank account password. Always check if the domain is... gov.br Be wary of promotions outside of official channels. Reports of scams have already been documented by fact-checking agencies.
Practical tip: When receiving messages, confirm them on gov.br or at a Caixa branch before providing any information.
Practical Tips for Organizing Your Budget
- Keep receipts for the payments; keep track of the credit month so you don't miss the deadline.
- Simulate the average price of a gas cylinder in your region: the ANP (National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels) publishes regional tables; compare this with the amount you receive to plan your purchases.
- If you notice a large difference between the actual price and the value of the subsidy, prioritize buying from trusted retailers or consider larger cylinders/safe alternatives when applicable.