LPG Shortage Forces Pune To Shut Gas-Based Crematoriums Amid West Asia Conflict

Pune faces closures of gas crematoriums due to LPG shortages linked to a regional conflict. The city is diverting propane and butane to domestic cylinders, with electric and wood-fired options available to ensure last rites continue.

Pune Municipal Corporation has shut all gas-based crematoriums in the city after a sudden LPG shortage linked to the West Asia conflict. The decision, effective from March 5, follows limits on key LPG ingredients propane and butane.

Officials said the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued an order on March 5, asking that available propane and butane be diverted first to domestic LPG cylinders nationwide. The move aims to secure cooking fuel supplies as oil and gas exports from the Middle East face disruption.

Pune gas crematoriums LPG shortage impact on facilities

Because of this diversion, Pune Municipal Corporation announced that gas crematoriums would stay closed from March 5 until further orders. A civic official stated that the step was necessary due to the reduced availability of LPG components for non-domestic use in the city.

To ensure last rites continue without major disruption, the civic body confirmed that electric crematoriums remain open. Wood-fired cremation facilities fitted with air pollution control systems are also operating, giving families alternative options while gas units are offline.

Pune gas crematoriums LPG shortage and Vaikunth arrangements

At the Vaikunth crematorium, three gas-powered furnaces have been taken out of service for now. The same facility still has five electric furnaces running for the public. Pune Municipal Corporation said these arrangements will continue while authorities monitor fuel supplies and await further instructions from the central ministry.