The extraordinary support of 15 euros for the purchase of gas cylinders will continue in 2026, allowing the impact of this expense to be reduced on the monthly budget of thousands of families in Portugal. The measure, known as the Botija Solidária program, was extended by government order, with a global allocation of more than two million euros.
Despite being in force for several years, this support continues to go unnoticed by many potential beneficiaries. In many cases, it is not a lack of right, but a lack of knowledge about who can apply, where to do it and what documents are needed.
Support designed for those who depend on bottled gas
In several regions of the country, especially outside large urban centers, bottled gas continues to be essential for cooking and heating water. For families with lower incomes, the accumulated cost of cylinders represents a significant burden throughout the year.
According to the Government, maintaining this support aims to mitigate the effects of the increase in energy costs among the most vulnerable consumers, guaranteeing some relief for a basic expense that cannot be avoided.
Who is entitled to support of 15 euros
To benefit from the support, you must reside in Portugal and hold an electricity supply contract. Furthermore, the candidate must meet at least one of the social criteria defined in the order that regulates the measure.
According to the same source, households whose holder of the electricity contract benefits from the social electricity tariff or those in which at least one member of the household is the beneficiary of a minimum social benefit are entitled to support.
Which social benefits allow you to access support
Among the social benefits that grant the right to gas cylinder support are the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly, the Social Insertion Income, the social disability pension from the special disability protection regime, the supplement to the Social Benefit for Inclusion, the old-age social pension and the social unemployment benefit.
It is enough for one member of the household to be a beneficiary of one of these benefits for the request to be submitted, as long as the remaining requirements are met.
Where should the order be placed?
Unlike other social support, this cannot be requested online or through Direct Social Security. The application must be presented in person at the parish council in the beneficiary’s area of residence.
If the parish council is not adhering to the program, the request can be made to the nearest participating council. The National Association of Parishes provides information on participating councils, facilitating the forwarding of requests.
Documents required for application
To submit the request, the candidate must present the electricity bill in the name of the contract holder, a document proving the minimum social benefit, when applicable, and the invoice proving the purchase of the LPG gas cylinder, which must indicate the tax identification number.
It is also necessary to present the identity card of the holder of the electricity contract. The absence of any of these documents may prevent the application from being validated.
Although the support value is 15 euros per cylinder, the impact may be relevant for families with lower incomes, especially when multiplied throughout the year. In many cases, this support makes it possible to offset a significant part of the cost of a cylinder, especially during periods of higher consumption.
Despite this, adherence to the program remains below potential, partly due to the need for in-person travel and the lack of publicity with beneficiaries.
Support that continues to be available in 2026
With the measure maintained throughout 2026, applications remain open for those who meet the requirements. The Government emphasizes that the available funds allow it to respond to a significant number of requests, as long as they are properly instructed.
For those who depend on bottled gas, this support can represent concrete help in a context of high energy costs and continuous pressure on the family budget.
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