Bengaluru, March 12 (NationPress) The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has entirely ceased gas supply to the Yelahanka gas-based power plant in Bengaluru since 6 AM on March 12, as confirmed by officials from the Energy Ministry on Thursday. The Yelahanka plant, which generates 370 Mega Watts, is the only gas-powered facility in the State, and any interruptions in gas supply may significantly impact its electricity generation capabilities.

This gas-based unit, designed primarily to meet the electricity demands of Bengaluru, has been operational continuously since December of the previous year. However, the ongoing natural gas scarcity resulting from the conflict in West Asia poses a potential threat to its power production, according to officials.

Moreover, they indicated that the reduction in natural gas supply could disrupt power generation in Karnataka, following the Central government's prioritization of other sectors amid nationwide shortages stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict in West Asia.

In response to the LPG supply disruptions across the nation due to the West Asia conflict, the Centre issued a gazette notification on Tuesday that prioritizes natural gas allocation, with domestic consumption at the forefront. Sectors such as transport and fertilization have been assigned a higher priority level, while power generation has been relegated to the lowest priority.

The State government is striving to ensure a stable electricity supply during peak demand by utilizing all available energy sources, officials stated.

Karnataka's daily electricity requirement is currently approximately 355 million units, which is being fulfilled through a combination of thermal and hydel power plants, solar and wind energy, along with electricity sourced from the Central grid. The State also meets part of its demand through power exchange arrangements with Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. However, further reductions in gas supply to the Yelahanka plant might lead to minor power supply disruptions, officials warned.

To tackle the current LPG shortage, the Centre has invoked its powers under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, issued under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, to determine priority sectors for natural gas allocation.

Domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG), LPG production, and CNG for transport have been designated as the top priority, requiring 100% of their average gas consumption from the past six months.

Fertilizer plants are in the second priority category, set to receive around 70% of their average gas consumption during the same timeframe.

Industrial consumers, including tea manufacturers, are classified under the third priority category, while City Gas Distribution companies supplying gas to industrial and commercial users fall into the fourth priority category. These sectors will receive 80% of their average gas usage from the past six months.

As power generation has been assigned the lowest priority, gas supply to this sector is expected to remain constrained until the natural gas shortage resolves.