In Minas Gerais, Alexandre Silveira announces the "People's Gas" program.

247 - The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, participated this Friday (29) in President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's agenda in Contagem (MG), where urban mobility works were delivered and new selections for the New PAC 2025 were announced. 

During the event, the minister highlighted the impact of the federal government's actions in Minas Gerais and previewed "Gás do Povo" (People's Gas), another social program aimed at vulnerable populations.

According to Silveira, the initiative will guarantee 70 million free gas cylinders per year throughout the country, benefiting approximately 16 million families. The impact of the measure in Minas Gerais will benefit 1,2 million families, including 33 in the municipality of Contagem and almost 100 in the capital, Belo Horizonte.

The minister also highlighted recent achievements of the federal government in areas such as education, health, and energy. “The New PAC is a reality: it represents R$ 137 billion in investments, more than 2.200 projects and initiatives throughout Brazil, and the creation of 402 formal jobs. In Minas Gerais, programs like Luz do Povo already guarantee zero electricity rates for 4,6 million people,” he stated.

During the ceremony in Contagem, President Lula confirmed the launch of the "People's Gas" program. "A 13 kg gas cylinder leaves Petrobras for around R$ 37, but reaches the final consumer costing R$ 140 or R$ 150. It's not fair that a poor family has to compromise such a significant part of their income to cook. Therefore, the government will assume the responsibility of guaranteeing free gas to the most vulnerable families," Lula stated.

The measure aims to ease the financial burden on low-income families, who sometimes spend up to 10% of the minimum wage to purchase the product, and to reduce the risk of accidents associated with unsafe alternatives such as alcohol, kerosene, or charcoal.