Chilean Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado announced that the government’s Liquefied Gas Subsidy will commence payments in June through direct transfers to a BancoEstado electronic card, bypassing municipal involvement.
The benefit, designed to assist approximately 7.5 million people during the winter months, targets households within the 80% most vulnerable segment of the population as defined by the Social Registry of Households (RSH).
After evaluating alternatives such as discount vouchers or direct cylinder distribution—both of which were ultimately discarded—the government settled on a direct cash transfer mechanism to alleviate heating costs amid seasonal demand.
Alvaro confirmed the subsidy will no longer be managed by municipalities, addressing earlier concerns from local authorities about implementation clarity and their role in distribution.
The program aims to deliver financial support specifically for gas purchases during colder months, with disbursements structured to align with peak usage periods starting in June.
