Pune: 20 Gas Crematorium Furnaces Shut Temporarily Amid LPG Supply Pressure Due to Iran–Israel-USA Conflict

Pune, 8th March 2026: The ongoing conflict between Israel, the USA and Iran in the Middle East has begun affecting energy supplies in India, prompting authorities to prioritize domestic LPG consumption. In response to directions from the Union government, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to temporarily shut down 20 gas-based crematorium furnaces across the city.

According to officials, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued an order on March 5 directing that propane and butane components be primarily used for domestic LPG supply. The move comes amid disruptions in the energy supply chain around the Strait of Hormuz region following the conflict. A significant portion of India’s gas and oil imports passes through this route, raising concerns over supply constraints.

India is the world’s second-largest importer of LPG. Nearly 60 to 70 percent of the LPG used in the country is imported, and about 85 to 90 percent of those imports come from Middle Eastern countries. As a result, instability in the region has begun to directly impact India’s gas supply.

To prevent a shortage of LPG for households, the central government has instructed refineries across the country to maximise LPG production using available propane and butane. Officials said the available gas will now be reserved primarily for domestic consumers.

In line with these directives, the PMC has decided to keep 20 gas-based crematorium furnaces in the city’s cremation grounds closed until further orders. Civic authorities said the decision was taken to ensure that LPG supplies remain available for household use.

To minimise inconvenience to citizens, electric crematorium furnaces and those equipped with air pollution control systems will remain operational.

Meanwhile, three gas-based furnaces at Vaikunth Crematorium will also remain shut. Officials from the civic body’s electrical department said five electric furnaces at the facility will continue functioning to ensure uninterrupted services.

Authorities said the Iran–Israel conflict has begun to affect gas availability in India, prompting the central government to take precautionary steps to manage energy supplies and prioritise essential domestic consumption.