GAIL Halts Gas to Karnataka Power Plant

The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has completely stopped natural gas supply to the 370 MW Yelahanka gas-based power plant in Bengaluru, operated by Government of Karnataka===Karnataka Power Corporation, since March 12. This action follows a nationwide natural gas shortage triggered by the West Asia conflict and a decision by the Central government of India to prioritize gas allocation for domestic and essential sectors, placing power generation at the lowest priority. The Yelahanka plant is India===Karnataka's only gas-based power generation facility, and the disruption could affect electricity supply, particularly to Bengaluru. While India===Karnataka is meeting its current daily electricity demand through a mix of thermal, hydel, solar, wind, and central grid power, further curtailment of natural gas could lead to minor power supply disruptions. The Central government invoked powers under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, to address LPG shortages, giving top priority to domestic piped natural gas, LPG production, and CNG for transport, followed by fertilizer plants, and then industrial and commercial consumers.