LPG Crisis: Pune gas crematoriums shut temporarily as LPG supply prioritized for households

Gas-based crematoriums across Pune have been temporarily shut after the government prioritized Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies for domestic cooking needs amid disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

According to reports, around 20 gas-fired crematorium furnaces across the city have been taken offline. The closures affect major facilities, including Vaikunth DhamMaharashtra’s largest crematorium, where three gas-based furnaces have been shutleaving only electric and traditional wood-fired cremation options operational.

Government directive behind the closure

The shutdown follows a directive issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on March 5, 2026which prioritizes propane and butane stocks for domestic LPG cylinders. These components are the key ingredients used to produce LPG.

Under the directive, non-domestic and commercial LPG usesincluding civic crematoriums, are facing temporary supply restrictions to ensure uninterrupted availability of cooking gas for households.

Impact of the West Asia conflict

The supply pressure has been triggered by the US-Israel conflict involving Iranwhich has disrupted exports of oil, natural gas, and LPG from the Middle East. The situation has intensified concerns around the Strait of Hormuza critical global energy shipping route.

India imports a substantial portion of its propane and butane from Gulf countriesmaking the country vulnerable to disruptions in the region. Authorities have therefore taken precautionary measures to conserve LPG supplies.

Current cremation operations in Pune

Despite the closure of gas furnaces, funeral services in the city are continuing through electric furnaces and wood-fired cremation systems.

At Vaikunth Dhamwhich typically handles around 20 cremations dailyofficials said the remaining LPG stock is sufficient for only two additional gas-based cremationswith each cremation requiring roughly 18 kilograms of gas.

Duration of restrictions

The closure of gas crematoriums will remain “until further notice”or until fuel supply conditions stabilize. Officials have clarified that the move is precautionaryand there is no immediate shortage of LPG cylinders for domestic consumers.

Wider impact on the energy sector

The crisis has already begun to show ripple effects across India’s energy ecosystem. Domestic LPG cylinder prices increased by Rs 60 on March 7, 2026the first hike in nearly a year, while commercial LPG cylinders rose by Rs 115.

Industrial sectors are also facing pressure. For example, Gujarat’s Morbi ceramic industry has reported risks of temporary shutdowns due to gas supply constraints.

Meanwhile, rumours of shortages have triggered panic buying and long queues at some LPG distribution centresprompting authorities in certain areas to introduce measures such as a 21-day gap between LPG refill bookings.

Government officials and oil companies have maintained that India has diversified import sources and adequate buffer suppliesand there is currently no nationwide LPG crisis. However, civic authorities in Pune have advised residents to rely on electric or wood cremation facilities until gas supplies normalize.