The National Energy Policy Council approved a resolution that blocks ANP reforms in the LPG market, reinforcing safety rules to protect the Gas for the People program.
The National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) approved a resolution that makes the regulatory changes proposed by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) for the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector unfeasible.
The determination sets a definitive rule that cooking gas cylinders up to 13 kg must be sold with the distributor’s brand embossed in high relief, accompanied by a seal, an inviolability stamp, and a full load indicator.
With the new act, the federal government blocks the regulatory agency’s proposals that aimed to allow filling containers by competing distributors and selling fuel with fractional loads.
Government strategy and the Gas for the People program
The measure was drafted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) to extend the safety guidelines of the Gas for the People program to the entire national LPG market.
The ANP had been debating the relaxation of the rules since 2024. However, the progress of the discussions stalled after a meeting at the Palácio do Planalto between President Lula, ministers, and the agency’s directors.
Although the sector’s legislation required the sale of full and identified cylinders, the method of regulating the brand fell to the agency, which ultimately suspended the topic at the direct direction of the Executive Branch.
Integrated oversight and fraud prevention
The resolution establishes a joint oversight system involving the ANP, the MME, the Ministry of Development, Family and Social Assistance, and Hunger Combat (MDS), and the operators of the social program.
The central focus of the measure is to monitor authorized resellers, curb undue charges, and prevent criminal organizations from operating in the cooking gas trade.
Data from a survey by the General Comptroller’s Office (CGU) indicated that a significant portion of gas aid beneficiaries and authorized resellers in Rio de Janeiro operate in territories controlled by gangs and militias.
Recently, police investigations in the state led to the seizure of R$ 327.6 million from a group accused of imposing a monopolized sale of gas cylinders in communities in the capital and its metropolitan area.
Ministry of Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira stated:
“We will not allow fraudsters or criminal organizations to take advantage of those who need it most.”
Future Guidelines and Energy Transition
In the same session, the CNPE enacted regulatory changes to include the eradication of energy poverty and the promotion of clean cooking as priority objectives of the country’s energy policy.
The board also approved the National Energy Transition Plan and deliberated on the creation of specific working groups focused on electromobility and the energy recovery of waste.
The ANP will be responsible for regulating the technical traceability mechanisms of the market and for submitting updated annual reports to the board on progress in combating energy poverty.