From Kitchens To Cremations: How Rising Gas Prices Are Hitting Indians Amid West Asia Conflict

Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 09:35 IST

The West Asia conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has pushed global gas and LNG prices higher.

The war in West Asia is beginning to affect daily life in India in unexpected ways. While petrol and diesel prices remain stable for now, rising global gas prices are being felt in homes, industries and even funeral services.

The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has pushed global gas and LNG prices higher. Even though the Indian government has kept retail fuel prices steady through taxes and subsidies, several sectors are already seeing the impact.

Cooking gas under pressure

India has not raised retail LPG prices yet, but supplies are tightening. Imports from Qatar, which account for about eight per cent of India’s LNG supply, have halted. Current stocks are estimated to cover only two to four weeks.

Industrial and transport users have already faced increases. Extra gas rates for industries supplied by Adani Total Gas have jumped from Rs 40 to Rs 119 per standard cubic metre. CNG prices have also risen by about 5-10 per cent in cities such as Delhi and parts of Gujarat, reaching Rs 78-85 per kilogram.

Despite global oil rising by about 10-15 per cent to around $75-85 a barrel, petrol and diesel prices remain around Rs 94-100 per litre in Delhi after government excise cuts.

Gas shortage hits crematoriums

In Pune, the shortage has affected funeral services, as per reports. The Pune Municipal Corporation has temporarily suspended gas-based cremations across civic crematoriums following a directive from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

The order issued on March 5 prioritised propane and butane stocks for domestic LPG cylinders. As a result, gas availability for non-domestic use has reduced.

At Vaikunth Dham Crematorium, three gas-based furnaces have been shut. The facility normally carries out around 20 cremations daily and currently has LPG left for only two cremations, each requiring about 18 kilograms of gas.

All cremations are now being carried out using electric pyres. The crematorium’s five electric furnaces and wood-based systems with air pollution control equipment remain operational.

The civic body had earlier planned to expand gas crematoriums across the city to reduce air pollution after complaints from residents. Gas-based cremation units were planned at locations including Tulsiram Burning Ghat, Wagholi, Dhanori, Koregaon Park, Baner, Pashan, Sus-Mhalunge, Uttamnagar and several other areas.

According to civic data, around 100 to 150 deaths are recorded every day in Pune’s municipal areas, which have 24 crematoriums.

Government assures fuel supply

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said domestic LPG supply remains uninterrupted and India has sufficient energy stocks.

Indian Oil Corporation also said fuel distribution networks are functioning normally and urged people not to panic buy. Officials say India has tapped strategic petroleum reserves and increased imports from Russia to manage supplies.

For now, petrol pumps remain steady and LPG cylinders are still reaching homes. But the effects of the conflict are already being felt – from kitchens to cremation grounds.

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