The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has temporarily shut down its gas-based crematorium furnaces following directives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The ministry has prioritized propane and butane supplies for domestic LPG consumption amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has disrupted global fuel supply chains.

In a press release, the PMC stated that on March 5, 2026, the ministry instructed that the country’s available propane and butane be primarily allocated for household use. As a result, gas-fueled cremation furnaces in Pune will remain suspended from March 5 until further notice. The civic body assured that alternative cremation facilities will continue operating to prevent public inconvenience. At the Vaikunth Crematorium, while the three gas-based furnaces are temporarily inactive, five electric cremation furnaces will remain functional for public use. Additionally, electric crematoriums and units with Air Pollution Control (APC) technology across Pune will continue operations.

PMC officials emphasized that the temporary suspension is necessary to ensure adequate LPG supply for households, highlighting the broader impact of the Middle East crisis on energy availability. Residents have been urged to cooperate with municipal authorities during this period and plan accordingly for cremation services.

The PMC’s move underscores the balancing act between essential household energy needs and civic services reliant on LPG. While gas-based crematoriums remain offline, the city’s electric and APC-equipped cremation facilities are expected to meet the needs of the public, ensuring uninterrupted access to necessary services during the supply prioritization. The PMC has called on residents to take note of these temporary changes and thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation as the city navigates the fuel supply challenges brought about by the ongoing international crisis.