Iran war disrupts LPG supply, Pune's largest crematorium faces crunch
What's the story
Pune's Vaikunth Dham, the largest crematorium in Maharashtra, has temporarily stopped gas-based cremations due to a severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The disruption affects the facility's three gas-fired furnaces and comes in the wake of an ongoing military conflict in the Middle East. This has disrupted LPG supplies across India. All cremations at Vaikunth Dham are now being done using electric pyres.
Supply disruption
Gas-based cremation units closed
Nilesh Kalekar, Executive Engineer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), told India Today that the crematorium has enough LPG for only two more cremations. Each cremation requires around 18kg of LPG. Vaikunth Dham, spread over nearly 17 acres in Pune's Navi Peth, usually conducts around 20 cremations a day. The PMC has issued a notice informing citizens that gas-based cremation units will remain closed until further orders and all funeral services will continue through electric furnaces.
Supply management
Ministry directive amid Middle East conflict
The LPG shortage at Vaikunth Dham is a result of a directive from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on March 5. The directive prioritizes domestic LPG supply over commercial use, ensuring that available propane and butane are allocated primarily for households. This move is aimed at preventing disruptions to domestic consumers amid geopolitical tensions affecting fuel imports.
Service continuity
Transition to electric pyres
Despite the LPG shortage, PMC officials have assured that alternative cremation options are fully functional. The crematorium's five electric furnaces and wood-fired facilities with air pollution control systems continue to operate. Kalekar was quoted as saying, "The transition to electric pyres is aimed at maintaining funeral services amid the gas shortage."
Official assurance
Government response to LPG shortage concerns
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has assured citizens that domestic LPG supply remains uninterrupted and India has enough energy stocks. The Indian Oil Corporation also confirmed that fuel distribution networks are functioning normally, urging the public to avoid panic buying. Government sources have reiterated that India is in a "very comfortable position" regarding crude oil, petroleum products, and LPG.