Only so far in February, the price of propane gas has registered two increases, reaching levels similar to those of the year 2021, when the Government implemented a subsidy to mitigate the impact on the economy of citizens.
While the rise in the cost of gas could be considered manageable in isolation, it is important to recognize that this increase adds to other essential expenses that households must cover at the beginning of the year, such as the Purchase of school supplies, uniforms and tunes. In addition, in January, he Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) did not grant the monthly subsidy to electricityforcing consumers to pay the regular price.
To this is added the inflationary context. In January 2025, inflation reached the 0.50%raising the inflationary rhythm of the 1.70% in December 2024 to 2.19% In the first month of the year. This increase directly affects the cost of the Urban Expanded Basket (Cau)which was located in Q2 thousand 190.12 per person, and the Rural Expanded Basket (CAR)with a value of Q1 thousand 375.97.
It may also be interested in reading: Propano price in Guatemala: How much has increased in the last five years and what to expect?
Why is it important to save gas?
According to the National Household Revenue and Expenses Survey (ENIGH) 2022-2023the main spending items in Guatemalan homes are:
- Feeding: Q3 thousand 834.20 per month.
- Housing rental: Q1 thousand 983.60 per month.
- Restaurants and Accommodation Services: Q1 thousand 585.70 per month.
- Housing, water, electricity, gas and others: Q1 thousand 983.60 per month.
The fourth group, which includes the gas and electricityhas been particularly impacted in the first months of 2025, adding to the increase in the Basic basket. Therefore, adopt strategies to Optimize gas consumption It is essential to mitigate these additional costs.
Tips for reducing gas consumption
Under this panorama, the optimization of gas use is a key strategy to reduce family spending. Adopt efficient habits In the kitchen it can make a significant difference in monthly consumption.
Improve your cooking habits
According to the Research Association for Petroleum Conservation (PCRA), cook at pressure Save a 20% of gas consumption in rice,, a 46% in legumes soaked, in vegetables 50-70% and a 41.5% in meat. In addition, you can take into account the following tips:
- Foster that your family comma at the same time To avoid reheating food.
- Use pots, pans and jarrillas appropriate to the size of the stove to minimize heat leakage.
- Cover the containers When cooking to preserve steam and reduce cooking time. The use of a pressure cooker It also optimizes gas consumption.
- Keep your Clean containerssince the waste acts as insulators and prolongs cooking time.
- Cooking under pressure can save up to a 70% fuel in the preparation of certain foods.
Prepare food in advance
Before igniting the stove, it is essential to optimize the preparation of food, since small adjustments can generate significant savings in gas consumption.
- Discreet it Foods before cooking them to reduce the time of use of the stove.
- Soak grains As lentils, beans and rice before cooking them, which facilitates cooking and decreases gas consumption.
- Plan cooking times to avoid energy waste.
Optimize the use of gas while cooking
According to the records of the PCRA, Lower the flame After reaching the boiling point it can Save up to 25% propane consumption.
- Boil only the necessary water and cook only the amount of foods that will be consumed.
- Reduce flame intensity once food begins to boil.
- Avoid food overoction, as it unnecessarily increases fuel use.
Efficient oven use
According to the General Directorate of Energy of the Mem When using the oven you can save gas if:
- Avoid preheating the ovenunless the recipe demands it.
- Cook multiple dishes at the same time to maximize heat use.
- Do not open the oven door frequently, since every time it is done, it is lost to a 20% of the accumulated heat.
- Take advantage of the residual heat From the oven by turning it off a few minutes before the end of cooking.
- To toast bread, use a Electric toaster Instead of the oven.
Maintenance and safety
According to the Pcra advice, The flame of burners must be blueotherwise you must maintain it to keep your kitchen utensils and also avoid the Gas waste.
- Close the gas passage When the stove is not in use.
- Verify that gas keys are well closed to avoid leaks and possible accidents.
- When installing a new cylinder, perform a test with soap and water To detect leaks.
- The flame of burners must be blue. If it is yellow or orange, your stove requires maintenance.
- Make Periodic maintenance Every six months to the stove, the water heater and the gas pipe.
- Keep the Clean burners to avoid obstructions that can increase gas consumption.
Savings in the consumption of propane gas Not only does it represent an economic benefit for Guatemalan homes, but also a sustainable practice that optimizes the use of resources.
With the application of these tips, it is possible Reduce spending in propane without affecting the quality of life or the preparation of food.