Study points out that energy is responsible for more than 20% of the cost of the basic food basket

The weight of energy in the final cost of food corresponds, on average, to 23.1% of the price of the basic food basket, which considers in natura agricultural products, such as meat and eggs, fish, as well as bread and pasta. This index is the result of the sum of 15.3% of expenses with electricity and 7.9% with natural gas, according to data from a technical study contracted by the Association of Large Industrial Energy Consumers and Free Consumers (Abrace) with a private consultancy.

The study points out that, for a family with a monthly income of up to R$ 1,908, the weight of energy reaches 9.1% of the family budget. For a family with a monthly income above R$23,850, the proportion is only 3.5%.

Taking into account the weight of direct and indirect costs with electricity, gas and fuels, the impacts are less disparate between different social strata. Families with a monthly income between R$2,862 and R$5,724 are the most affected, accounting for 18.3% of their income. In families that receive up to R$ 1,908, the weight is 17.9%. The ones that suffer the least, again, are the richest families, with incomes above R$ 23,850.

The study also sought to point out the impacts of energy prices on the cost of industrial production. According to the survey, the weight of energy has an impact of 8.6% on the final price of the mineral extractive industry and the transformation industry. Considering the direct and indirect impacts on these industries, it accounts for 25.6% of the final price.

According to the document, “the reversal of the process of making energy and natural gas more expensive has the power to re-establish solid foundations for industrial investment, with effects on the generation of income and employment throughout the economy”. Abrace points out that with the reduction of energy costs, there would be greater GDP growth.

The survey also indicates that with this growth, in a possible reduction of energy costs, the employed population would increase, “with the opening of seven million more jobs than projected in the reference scenario (IBGE)”. The study also showed that the rate of expansion of GDP per capita would increase over the next 10 years, “allowing the average Brazilian to grow faster than the world average”.

According to the president of Embrace, Paulo Pedrosa, there are three important points that could reduce energy costs in the country.

“First is to remove costs that are on the energy bill and shouldn’t be. The consumer pays a lot of things that should be in the Union’s budget, such as public policy costs and subsidies. The second point is the limitation of the ‘sector VIP playpen’, market reserves and protections. Finally, the promotion of competition. More competition in the sector so that each consumer takes responsibility for hiring them, at least the large consumers. But also efficiently, without anyone carrying anyone on their back”, evaluated Pedrosa.

According to him, the electric sector currently moves R$ 300 billion a year. However, there is an understanding on the part of Abrace that, of this total, R$ 100 billion is “fat that could be removed if the aforementioned movements were carried out”.

Energy costs in prices by product

The study listed some of the main products whose energy value significantly impacts, as listed below.

Notebook: 35.9% of the final price

Meat and milk: 33.3%

Bread: 27.2%

Frames: 25.3%

PVC pipes: 24.5%

Glass and cement: 24.5%

Rubber: 24.5%

Pencil: 14.8%

Car: 14.1%

Drinks: 13.2%

Clothing: 12.4%

Electronics: 10.6%