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The “People’s Gas” Can Transform Access for Millions of Families, but Criticism of ANP’s Fractionation Puts Its Execution at Risk
The “People’s Gas” program, which promises to serve 15.5 million families by March 2026, is in the spotlight. This is because, according to private agents heard by the Estadão portal, the initiative may lose strength if the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) allows the fractional sale of gas cylinders.
The government’s idea is to start the first deliveries in November. Distributors will have to ensure coverage in all municipalities, relying on resellers and small businesses.
To participate, resellers will need to voluntarily register with the Caixa Econômica Federal.
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According to critics, this voluntary adherence is already a challenge. But the greater risk, they say, lies in the impact of the regulatory changes being discussed at the ANP.
How It Works Today
The current model is simple: distributors fill 13 kg cylinders and pass them on to resellers. The end consumer always acquires the same unit, with a fixed weight and brand engraved on the steel.
This format allows for traceability. In the event of an accident, it is immediately known who is responsible for maintenance and any failures.
Moreover, the logic is clear: the consumer pays for the gas, not for the packaging, which remains in circulation.
What Would Change in the Program?
The fractionation proposal would open space for refills similar to those at fuel stations. Thus, cylinders of different volumes or brands could be partially filled.
In the view of the ANP, this alteration would stimulate competition and help reduce prices for consumers. The Agency states that the profit margins are high, and fractionation could alleviate part of the final cost.
In June 2025, the average price of a 13 kg cylinder was R$ 108.63. Of the total, R$ 38.65 corresponded to production costs and R$ 18.07 to taxes.
Sector’s Fear
For lawyers and executives, the measure represents a disincentive to long-term investment. Guilherme Vinhas, an oil and gas specialist, states that “The government promises to deliver a massive volume of cylinders to the low-income population, and on the other hand, the ANP is going against the grain and creating a system that will take the cylinder out of circulation.”
Pedro Turqueto, CEO of Copa Energia, goes further. In an interview, he warned of security risks, pointing to the possibility of organized crime advancing in the sector.
Meanwhile, the president of the National Union of LPG Distribution Companies, Sérgio Bandeira de Mello, argues that the current system functions like a machine.
For him, changing this logic would be like “a condominium without a manager,” where the responsibility for maintenance would be lost.
Issue of Traceability
Today, only the company owning the brand can sell the cylinder bearing its name. Another distributor can fill it, but does not have authorization to commercialize the unit. This formal contract guarantees security and legal responsibility.
With fractionation, this link would weaken. In Mello’s assessment, markets like Mexico and Paraguay show that the practice leads to a decline in maintenance quality and weakens the economic incentive to keep packaging in good condition.
Moreover, there would be a risk of cylinders circulating without control of origin. This would open the door to irregular practices and undermine consumer trust.
The ANP’s Vision
In response to the criticisms, the National Agency of Petroleum states that it has conducted a Regulatory Impact Analysis on the subject.
The study concluded that the risk of fractional filling outside the distributor’s facilities would be similar to the current model.
The ANP also points out that, with new tracking mechanisms, it would be possible to increase security and improve oversight.
For the agency, innovation would bring logistical advantages, expanding the capacity to monitor the sector.
According to the Agency, the plan would include additional safeguards, capable of making fractionation safer than the current system.
Resistance to Changes
Despite the official discourse, industry representatives doubt the effectiveness of the proposed tracking technology.
An agent heard by Estadão summed up the criticism: it would be like creating regulation that depends on an innovation that does not yet exist.
This skepticism reinforces the fear that the market may lose stability. After all, distributors would have less incentive to renew infrastructure and expand service coverage.
If this occurs, the government’s plans for the “People’s Gas” may be compromised.
Program in Dispute
The central challenge lies in the coexistence between the social model and the possible regulatory change. On one side, the government bets on expanding the supply for low-income families.
On the other, private agents claim that the measure threatens the very viability of this policy.
The program depends on the engagement of resellers. And, according to critics, the ANP’s regulation may reduce the interest in participation.
Therefore, the debate is not limited to the price of the cylinder. It also involves security, responsibility, and consumer trust in the distribution system.
The Future of the Market
The impasse shows how a regulatory decision can directly affect social policies. If fractionation goes ahead, the promise of affordable cylinders for millions of families may face obstacles.
On the other hand, if the industry’s resistance continues, the government will have to find alternatives to avoid delaying the implementation of the “People’s Gas.”
Moreover, the conflict makes it clear that the challenge is not just logistical or economic. It is about defining a model that combines competition, security, and social inclusion.
The outcome of this regulatory clash will be decisive for the future of gas policy in Brazil.
With information from Estadão.
Na Venezuela e assim…desde 1974 ; o problema aqui e quem vai dar manutenção no vasilhame (botijão)!!!!; no mercado atual as distribuidoras são as responsáveis pela limpeza interna.. manutenção da válvula…..este e um problema serio
Não existe estudo……aliás sim mas estudo de como.ganhar votos…se morrer por um botijão defeituoso…foi um pobre que morreu tem muitos..aliás o governo gosta e de aumentar a população dos pobres ano após anos
É preciso ao menos tentar uma mudança pois as empresas se unem é manten lucros absurdos igual outros combustíveis. O benefício vale o risco.
Contanto que não seja sua casa em que possa ocorrer o risco de uma explosão né