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After Several Increases in Cooking Gas, Petrobras Will Invest R$ 300 Million in a Social Program to Assist Low-Income Families in Purchasing the Product.
Petrobras is allocating R$ 300 million for the development of a new social program to support low-income and vulnerable families so they can access cooking gas. The model follows what the current president of the state company, Joaquim Silva e Luna, did with the communities surrounding the Itaipu Binacional in Paraná.
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Petrobras Social Program in Final Study Phase
The social program has been endorsed and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in a meeting held on Wednesday (29). In a statement, Petrobras affirms that the initiative regarding cooking gas aims to expand its social engagement with a greater alignment to the practices of other market players and is justified by the impacts generated during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Petrobras social program model is already in the final study phase, including one of the most crucial parts of the program, the definition of selection criteria for vulnerable families that will receive cooking gas, and agreements in the sector that may expand the investment amount and consolidate efforts.
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By creating the program, Petrobras demonstrates its commitment to societal development, particularly in the communities within its area of influence.
According to the Petrobras president, the state company is a socially responsible enterprise committed to improving and developing the quality of life of families, especially the most vulnerable. The pandemic and all its impacts brought various challenges for everyone, especially for low-income families, prompting Petrobras to take action and further contribute to the Brazilian people.
Cooking Gas Exceeds R$ 100
Cooking gas saw a new increase in August and according to Sindvargas, the adjustment was not made by Petrobras, but by the distributors. The increase was 7% and served to cover the rising costs resulting from the salary adjustments of employees and inflation.
According to the union, the commitment is to maintain its services, prioritizing quality, guarantees, and safety for consumers, meaning there is no way to absorb any future adjustments.
In the North-Northeast region, the product is already being sold at a significantly increased price, reaching around R$ 100. In cities in other regions of the country, consumers need to pay R$ 113 for a gas cylinder. Many families have resorted to firewood and charcoal to prepare their daily meals.
Governments Seek to Eliminate ICMS
In September, the Roraima government submitted a bill to the State Legislative Assembly seeking to reduce the ICMS on cooking gas. Currently, the tax is at 17% and with the bill, it will be reduced to 12%, allowing the product to be included in the Basic Food Basket. Other governments are also planning to lower the tax, such as Espírito Santo.
