LPG Shortage Forces Pune’s Largest Crematorium to Halt Gas-Based Cremations

Pune’s largest crematorium, Vaikunth Dham, has temporarily halted all gas-based cremations following a severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), officials confirmed. The disruption affects the facility’s three gas-fired furnaces and comes amid broader fuel supply pressures triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Located in Navi Peth and spread across approximately 17 acres, Vaikunth Dham typically conducts around 20 cremations per day, making it one of the busiest cremation facilities in Maharashtra.

According to Nilesh Kalekar, Executive Engineer at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the crematorium currently has enough LPG left for only two cremations. Each gas-based cremation requires approximately 18 kilograms of LPG.

Due to the shortage, the PMC has issued an official notice stating that all gas-based cremation units at the facility will remain closed until further orders. Funeral services will continue using alternative systems already installed at the crematorium.

Electric and Wood-Based Pyres Continue Operations

Officials have confirmed that despite the temporary suspension of gas furnaces, cremation services at Vaikunth Dham will not be disrupted.

The facility’s five electric furnaces are currently operational and will handle the cremations during the gas shortage. In addition, traditional wood-fired cremation systems equipped with air pollution control units will also remain available.

“The transition to electric pyres is aimed at maintaining funeral services amid the gas shortage,” Kalekar said.

Authorities emphasized that these alternative systems are capable of handling the regular volume of cremations without causing inconvenience to families.

Government Prioritizes Domestic LPG Supply

The shortage at Vaikunth Dham is largely linked to a directive issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on March 5. The order prioritizes the allocation of LPG supplies for household consumption over commercial or institutional use.

Under the directive, available propane and butane supplies are being redirected primarily toward domestic consumers to ensure that households do not face disruptions despite ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global fuel imports.

As a result, several commercial LPG users, including crematoriums that rely on gas-based furnaces, have experienced delays in fresh LPG deliveries.

Government Assures Adequate Fuel Availability

Despite concerns raised by the disruption, the central government has maintained that India currently has sufficient fuel reserves.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently reassured the public that the country remains in a “comfortable position” regarding the availability of LPG, crude oil, and other petroleum products.

Indian Oil Corporation has also stated that the national fuel distribution network is operating normally and has urged citizens to avoid panic buying.

For now, the gas-based cremation units at Vaikunth Dham will remain closed until LPG supplies stabilize. Meanwhile, electric and wood-based cremation systems will continue to operate to ensure that funeral services remain uninterrupted.

Officials said they are closely monitoring the LPG supply situation and will announce updates once gas-based cremations can safely resume.