Pune, 9th March 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has temporarily shut down 20 gas-based crematorium furnaces across the city after the Union government directed authorities to prioritise liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for domestic consumption.
The move follows rising tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran in West Asia, which have begun affecting global energy supply chains. Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for oil and gas shipments, have raised concerns about fuel availability in India.
According to civic officials, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued directions on March 5 instructing refineries to prioritise propane and butane components for household LPG distribution. As a result, civic bodies have been asked to minimise non-essential LPG use.
“Following the Union government’s directive to prioritise LPG for domestic use, the PMC has temporarily closed gas-based crematorium furnaces across the city,” a civic official said.
India relies heavily on imports to meet its LPG demand. Nearly 60–70 percent of the country’s LPG is imported, and about 85–90 percent of those imports come from Middle Eastern nations. Any instability in the region can therefore directly affect supply.
To ensure households do not face shortages, the central government has instructed refineries to maximise LPG production and reserve available supplies for domestic consumers.
In Pune, the decision has affected 20 gas-based crematorium furnaces, including three units at the Vaikunth crematorium. However, officials said alternative facilities remain available.
At Vaikunth crematorium, five electric furnaces are still operational. Across the city, electric and traditional wood-fired crematoriums equipped with air pollution control systems will continue functioning so that funeral services are not disrupted.
Civic authorities said the gas furnaces will remain closed until further instructions from the Union government regarding LPG supply availability.
