The Portuguese Government decided to extend until the end of 2026 the extraordinary regime of the "Botija de Gás Solidária" (Solidarity Gas Bottle), a support program for the purchase of LPG bottles for vulnerable domestic consumers. The base value of the support was 15 euros per bottle, but was temporarily increased to 25 euros in March, due to rising energy prices. The program was then extended in July until September and again extended until the end of the year.
Beneficiaries of this support include domestic consumers who are recipients of the Social Electricity Tariff, as well as households where at least one member receives benefits such as the Supplementary Solidarity for the Elderly, Social Integration Income, social disability or old-age pensions, the Supplementary Social Provision for Inclusion, or social unemployment benefit. The support covers the entire national territory.
The program maintains the limit of two bottles per month and 12 bottles per year per beneficiary. Thus, while the 25-euro contribution is maintained, an eligible family can receive up to 50 euros in a month if they purchase two bottles covered by the support. The program is funded by the Environmental Fund.
Payment is made through the participating parish or parish union councils, in coordination with the National Association of Parishes and the Environmental Fund. Beneficiaries need to present proof of purchase of the LPG bottle with the respective tax identification number (NIF), and those accessing the support through a social benefit must also present updated proof of that benefit.
