{"id":2940,"date":"2026-07-30T20:31:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T01:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hepacom.org\/subsidio-de-gas\/"},"modified":"2026-07-30T20:31:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T01:31:17","slug":"subsidio-de-gas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hepacom.org\/en\/subsidio-de-gas\/","title":{"rendered":"Gas subsidy: who receives it and how to know if you are receiving it"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last updated: July 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

There's a discount on your gas bill that you never had to ask for.<\/strong> It doesn't come from a call for applications, it's not requested at any office, and it doesn't depend on the Sisb\u00e9n system: the gas subsidy<\/em> It's applied automatically, based on the socioeconomic level of the house where you live, and it's printed on your bill every month. That's the problem: since nobody asks for it, almost nobody checks if they're receiving it or how much it is.<\/p>\n

We are Hepacom, the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation (NIT 900.841.914-1), and we work for the right to decent housing. We do not allocate subsidies or process applications: we explain what the law says, with the source provided.<\/p>\n

What is the gas subsidy and who provides that money?<\/h2>\n

It is a discount that the law requires to be applied to lower socioeconomic strata and that is financed by higher socioeconomic strata and businesses.<\/strong> It's not money from a social program: it's a redistribution within the same bill.<\/p>\n

It comes from Law 142 of 1994, which created the solidarity contribution<\/em>Those in socioeconomic levels 5 and 6, plus businesses in commerce and industry, pay up to 20% more on their service, and this fund covers the discount for lower-income households. That's why it doesn't run out and has no limit.<\/p>\n

Who receives the gas subsidy in Colombia?<\/h2>\n

For piped gas in homes, only strata 1 and 2.<\/strong> That's the difference compared to other public services, and it's almost never explained: for water, those in socioeconomic stratum 3 can still receive a discount, but for gas, the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission indicates that users of Strata 3 and 4 are not eligible for subsidies<\/em>.<\/p>\n

It also doesn't depend on the Sisb\u00e9n system, and many people confuse the two and claim benefits where they shouldn't. It's assigned based on the... property stratum<\/strong>, which the mayor's office defines: you can be in group A of the Sisb\u00e9n, live in stratum 3 and not receive a gas discount.<\/p>\n

How much is the gas subsidy discount?<\/h2>\n

Up to 60 % of the service cost for stratum 1 and up to 50 % for stratum 2, but only on the first 20 cubic meters of the month.<\/strong> These are two distinct boundaries and they must be read together: that's where people get lost.<\/p>\n

The percentages are in Article 3 of the Law 1117 of 2006<\/a>, modified by Law 1428 of 2010: \u00ab"In no case will the percentage of the subsidy be greater than 60 % of the cost of providing the service for stratum 1 and 50 % of this for stratum 2"\u00bb<\/em>. Beware of the "up to": it's a ceiling, not a floor, and your company can apply for less.<\/p>\n

The second limit is the subsistence consumption<\/strong>For natural gas, the CREG set it at 20 m\u00b3 per month<\/strong> Since Resolution 057 of 1996, any consumption above that amount is charged at the full rate. That's why two neighbors in the same socioeconomic stratum can have very different bills.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Stratum or user<\/th>\nNatural gas via pipeline<\/th>\nWhat do I consume?<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Stratum 1<\/strong><\/td>\nSubsidy of up to 60 %<\/strong><\/td>\nThe first 20 m\u00b3\/month; the excess, at full rate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stratum 2<\/strong><\/td>\nSubsidy of up to 50 %<\/strong><\/td>\nThe first 20 m\u00b3\/month; the excess, at full rate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Strata 3 and 4<\/strong><\/td>\nWithout subsidy or contribution<\/td>\nThey pay the service fee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Strata 5 and 6<\/strong><\/td>\nContribution<\/strong> up to 20 additional %<\/td>\nIt finances socioeconomic levels 1 and 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trade and Industry<\/strong><\/td>\nContribution<\/strong> up to 20 additional %<\/td>\nRegarding the value of the service<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Hepacom's preparation: Law 142 of 1994 (art. 89), Law 1117 of 2006 (art. 3) and CREG Resolution 057 of 1996. These are maximum limits.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Common mistakes that cause you to lose the discount<\/h3>\n