The Executive Power analyzes continuing with the 50% reduction for beneficiaries of Mides
The Executive Branch analyzes the extension of the benefit of the 50% discount on the refills of 13-kilo supergas bottles for economically vulnerable households. The matter is being studied by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Social Development, in a decision that is supported by the Ancap board of directors.
Mides sources told Montevideo Portal that the definition between the ministers will be taken in the coming days. From the portfolio headed by Martín Lema they understand that the measure had a “good impact” and that is why they are pushing to extend it, the sources said.
Meanwhile, the vice president of Ancap, Diego Durand, confirmed to Montevideo Portal that the matter is on the table and that the board of directors of the company promotes maintaining the benefit.
“On the Ancap side, we are willing to extend it because it is segmenting and the subsidy is going to those who need it most,” said Durand. “There is a proposal to extend it. To the extent that it is a benefit that already exists, it would not be good to innovate or raise it again for the people who need it the most, ”added the vice president of Ancap.
In this way, the government seeks to deepen a guideline to segment the supergas rate, which already receives a general subsidy, but which is higher in the case of the poorest households.
The decision is independent of whether there is an increase or a reduction in fuel rates for January, according to Ancap sources.
The discount was first implemented in June. First it was extended until September and then until December. In this last period, for example, beneficiary households had three refills of 13 kg with a 50% discount in the period from October 1 to December 31, 2022, with a monthly limit of two refills at 50%, he explained in at the time the government in a statement.
Beneficiaries
In the first five months, Ancap delivered 375,000 jugs, an average of 75,000 per month at a 50% subsidy, Durand said.
Meanwhile, according to data from Mides, the benefit reached 134,569 households since June.
Now, the government is evaluating whether to do so even for a period longer than three months, although it has not been resolved, the respondents said.
The discount is for beneficiaries of the Uruguay Social Card, Family Allowances – Equity Plan, Old Age Assistance or Family Allowances from the Social Welfare Bank up to the first income bracket. (Montevideo Portal)
