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Pune Gas Crematoriums Shut as LPG Diverted Amid Middle East Crisis

The Pune Municipal Corporation has temporarily closed its gas-based cremation furnaces following a directive from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The ministry has prioritised propane and butane supplies for domestic LPG consumption due to a supply crisis linked to the Middle East. Operations at facilities like the Vaikunth Crematorium's gas furnaces are suspended from March 5, 2026, until further notice. However, electric cremation furnaces and those with Air Pollution Control technology will continue to operate to avoid public inconvenience.

Key Points: Pune Gas Crematoriums Closed, LPG Prioritised for Homes

  • Gas crematoriums suspended
  • LPG prioritised for households
  • Directive from Petroleum Ministry
  • Electric crematoriums remain operational
2 min read

Pune gas-based crematoriums temporarily closed due to LPG supply prioritisation amid Middle East crisis

Pune gas crematoriums temporarily shut as propane and butane supplies are diverted to domestic LPG due to the Middle East crisis. Electric furnaces remain open.

"the available propane and butane across the country be primarily allocated for household LPG supply - Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas"

Pune Marc, h 9

,: The gas-based crematorium furnaces operated by the Pune Municipal Corporation in Pune will be temporarily closed following directives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This decision comes as the ministry has prioritised propane and butane supplies for domestic LPG consumption due to a crisis in the Middle East.

According to a press release from the civic body, the ministry, under the Government of India, directed on March 5, 2026, that the available propane and butane across the country be primarily allocated for household LPG supply.

As a result of this supply shortage, the PMC has decided to suspend operations of gas-based cremation furnaces in Pune from March 5 until further notice.

The decision comes amid concerns over energy supplies linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has impacted global fuel logistics and availability.

However, to ensure that citizens are not inconvenienced, the civic body has clarified that alternative cremation facilities will continue to operate. Specifically, at the Vaikunth Crematorium, the three gas-based cremation furnaces will be temporarily shut down, but five electric cremation furnaces at the facility will remain operational for public use.

The PMC also stated that electric crematoriums and systems equipped with Air Pollution Control (APC) technology will continue to function throughout the city.

The PMC urges residents to take note of these changes and to cooperate with municipal administration during the temporary suspension of gas-based cremation services.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the need to prioritize household fuel, the timing and communication could have been better. Families dealing with a loss shouldn't face last-minute changes. At least the electric furnaces are running.
P
Priya S
This shows how global politics directly affects our daily lives, even in sacred matters. It's a sobering reminder. Thankful that the PMC has backup electric systems. Jai Hind.
A
Aman W
Chalo, at least there is a plan B. Electric crematoriums are more eco-friendly anyway. Maybe this temporary shift will make people consider them more. Gas should definitely go to homes first.
K
Kavya N
My uncle's last rites were performed at Vaikunth last year. It's a difficult time for families. I hope the PMC staff is properly trained to handle the switch to electric and guide people with sensitivity.
V
Vikram M
A necessary step. Roti comes before all else. If there's a shortage, our mothers and sisters cooking in the kitchen must get the gas first. Well done on having the electric infrastructure ready.

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