Revolutionizing the Way Brazilians Buy Cooking Gas
Upgas | Energy
Java
Kotlin
Android
The Cooking Gas Market in Brazil
The cooking gas market is vital in Brazil, serving over 70% of households—especially in lower-income segments (classes C, D, and E)—that rely on 13kg LPG cylinders for daily cooking. With around 68,000 resellers across the country, distribution is widespread, while piped gas accounts for only 15% of residential consumption. The price of a gas cylinder has a direct impact on household budgets, especially among the poorest families. This highlights the importance of social programs like Vale-Gás and the role of competition among resellers in ensuring affordability and sustainability.
Upgas
Upgas was created to simplify the way people buy cooking gas, bringing more efficiency and competitiveness to the market. Through the app, users can find nearby resellers, compare prices, choose the best option, and pay instantly—all with ease. For resellers and delivery partners, the platform offers tools for sales management, optimized delivery routes, and performance insights, improving inventory control, pricing, and profitability. In doing so, Upgas not only benefits consumers but also empowers smaller resellers by boosting their visibility and demand.
Super simple sign-up
Options to compare gas cylinder sizes and quantities
Nearby distributors, with prices and delivery times
Pay via Pix, credit card, debit card, or cash
Real-time delivery tracking
Promotional notifications via push messages
Our Approach
Upgas introduced a groundbreaking marketplace model for LPG delivery, inspired by the success of platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and iFood. Backed by VX’s deep expertise in marketplace solutions, a strategic path was designed to fully understand the journey and specific behaviors of cooking gas consumers, adapting to the unique dynamics of this essential market.
User Insights
Given the diversity of users who regularly purchase cooking gas, it was crucial to map key aspects of the buying journey—such as socioeconomic profile, purchase triggers, and technology barriers—especially the type of mobile devices commonly used.
Hypotheses and Pre-Validation
Based on initial user insights, we developed hypotheses to make the gas-buying process more practical and cost-effective. These ideas were pre-validated through user interviews, confirming the most promising assumptions.
Iterative Development
With a bold project like Upgas, we knew real validation would come only through hands-on experience. That’s why we adopted a fully iterative process, prioritizing core features for fast testing and applying agile methodologies intensively to ensure speed and adaptability.
MVP
The first version of the app focused on high-value core features identified through user interviews. While the MVP achieved initial success, it also revealed challenges, including compatibility issues with some phone models and growing demand for more advanced features.
Continuous Evolution
With the app in the hands of real users, a multidisciplinary team embedded with the client gathered and prioritized actual user needs. This continuous effort enabled our development team to refine and expand the product on an ongoing basis, ensuring relevance and long-term market fit.
Transforming the Business in a Highly Competitive Market
What started as a local gas distribution operation, led by a visionary entrepreneur aware of the market’s digital shift, has grown into Upgas—Brazil’s dominant platform for cooking gas delivery. Now operating at national scale and uniting hundreds of distributors to serve hundreds of thousands of users, Upgas continues to thrive. Even in a competitive landscape filled with heavily funded rivals, Upgas stands out—posting triple-digit annual growth.
