LPG shortage: Power generation in Karnataka may be hit by natural gas supply priority list issued by Centre

Bengaluru's power generation faces disruption due to the Centre's gas supply prioritization amid ongoing natural gas shortages.

Power generation in Karnataka could face disruption following the Central Government’s decision to prioritise natural gas supply to select sectors amid a shortage linked to the ongoing war in West Asia involving US-Israel and Iran, according to sources in the Energy Department.

The Centre recently issued a gazette notification under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, prioritising sectors for gas allocation as the country faces supply constraints triggered by the US-Israel–Iran conflict in West Asia. Under the order, domestic consumption has been given the highest priority while power generation has been placed at the lowest level.

Officials said the decision has affected the State’s only gas-based power plant at Yelahanka in Bengaluru.

“Following the Centre’s notification prioritising natural gas allocation, gas supply to the Yelahanka gas-based power plant was completely stopped from 6 a.m. on March 12. Since power generation has been placed at the lowest priority category, supply to the sector is expected to remain restricted until the current shortage eases,” the Energy Department stated.

The 370 MW Yelahanka plant, operated by KPCL, is Karnataka’s only gas-based power generation facility and primarily supplies electricity to Bengaluru. An official informed that any disruption in gas supply could affect power production at the plant.

“The Yelahanka unit has been operating continuously since December 2025 to support the power requirements of Karnataka. However, the ongoing natural gas shortage triggered by the West Asia conflict may affect generation at the plant,” the official said.