The Aryavarth Express Bengaluru: Power generation in Karnataka may face disruptions after the Central government prioritised natural gas supply to other sectors amid shortages linked to the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict in West Asia.
According to a press release, the Union government issued a gazette notification on Tuesday prioritising the allocation of natural gas across sectors to manage the shortage. Domestic consumption has been placed at the top of the priority list, followed by transport and fertiliser sectors, while power generation has been placed at the lowest priority.
Following the directive, Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) stopped supplying gas to the Yelahanka gas-based power plant from 6:00 am on March 12.
The 370-MW Yelahanka plant, operated by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), is the state’s only gas-based power generation facility. Any prolonged disruption in gas supply could impact its electricity output.
The state government has been generating electricity from all available sources to ensure uninterrupted supply during peak demand. The Yelahanka plant, which mainly supplies power to Bengaluru, has been running continuously since December last year. However, the natural gas shortage triggered by the West Asia conflict may now affect its operations.
Karnataka’s daily electricity demand currently stands at around 355 million units. This demand is met through a mix of thermal and hydropower plants, along with solar and wind energy, and electricity drawn from the Central grid. The state is also sourcing power through exchange arrangements with Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.
Officials said that further cuts in gas supply to the Yelahanka plant could lead to minor power disruptions.
The Centre’s notification, issued under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, outlines priority sectors for gas allocation during the current shortage.
Under the order:
Top priority: Domestic piped natural gas (PNG), LPG production, CNG for transport, and essential pipeline operations — each to receive 100% of their average gas consumption over the past six months.
Second priority: Fertiliser plants — to receive around 70% of their average consumption.
Third priority: Industrial and commercial consumers, including tea manufacturers.
Fourth priority: City Gas Distribution companies supplying industrial and commercial users — both to receive about 80% of their average gas usage.
With power generation placed in the lowest priority category, gas supply to the sector may remain restricted until the natural gas shortage eases.
