Pune, March 9 -- The gas-based crematorium furnaces operated by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in Pune will be temporarily closed following directives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This decision comes as the ministry has prioritised propane and butane supplies for domestic LPG consumption due to a crisis in the Middle East.

According to a press release from the civic body, the ministry, under the Government of India, directed on March 5, 2026, that the available propane and butane across the country be primarily allocated for household LPG supply.

As a result of this supply shortage, the PMC has decided to suspend operations of gas-based cremation furnaces in Pune from March 5 until further notice.

The decision ...