Vaikunth Dham, which typically handles around 20 cremations daily, has enough gas left only for two cremations according to officials.
Pune’s Vaikunth Dham, Maharashtra’s largest crematorium, has temporarily halted all gas-based cremations due to an acute shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), officials confirmed. The disruption, which affects the facility’s three gas-fired furnaces, comes amid the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, which has impacted LPG supplies across India.
All cremations at the facility are now being conducted using electric pyres.
According to Nilesh Kalekar, Executive Engineer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the crematorium currently has enough LPG left for only two cremations, with each requiring approximately 18 kilograms.
Spread over nearly 17 acres in Pune’s Navi Peth, Vaikunth Dham typically handles around 20 cremations daily.
The PMC has issued an official notice informing citizens that gas-based cremation units will remain closed until further orders, and all funeral services will continue through electric furnaces.
The shortage stems from a directive by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued on March 5, prioritising domestic LPG supply over commercial use.
The notification requires available propane and butane to be allocated primarily for households, ensuring that domestic consumers face no disruption despite geopolitical tensions affecting fuel imports.
As a result, Vaikunth Dham has not received fresh LPG supplies, forcing a temporary closure of its gas pyres.
PMC officials emphasised that alternative cremation options remain fully functional.
The crematorium’s five electric furnaces and wood-fired facilities equipped with air pollution control systems will continue operations, ensuring continuity of essential services without inconveniencing citizens.
“The transition to electric pyres is aimed at maintaining funeral services amid the gas shortage,” Kalekar said.
GOVERNMENT ASSURANCE ON GAS SUPPLY
Responding to public concerns over fuel availability last week, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reassured citizens that domestic LPG supply remained uninterrupted and that India had sufficient energy stocks.
Indian Oil Corporation echoed this, stating that fuel distribution networks are functioning normally and urging the public to avoid panic buying.
Government sources added that India remains in a “very comfortable position” regarding crude oil, petroleum products, and LPG.