Energy shortages force Indian crematoriums switch off gas

Indian crematoriums have stopped using gas for their operations, while restaurants have been restricted from cooking deep-fried foods, as the country faces severe energy supply disruptions, Financial Times reports.

“The war between the United States and Israel against Iran has led to disruptions in energy supplies around the world, but South Asia, which is heavily dependent on gas supplies from the Persian Gulf countries, has suffered the most,” the article said.

Despite appeals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi “not to panic,” residents are actively stockpiling liquefied natural gas (LNG) used for cooking.

The energy crisis is affecting neighboring countries as well. In Pakistan, civil servants have been moved to a four-day workweek, while in Bangladesh, universities have been closed and exams canceled. Tariq Rahman, a spokesman for the Bangladeshi prime minister, noted that the prime minister himself avoids using all lights and air conditioning in his office, highlighting energy-saving measures being implemented nationwide.

Addressing the situation in India, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Rajesh Agarwal confirmed on March 16 that the country has increased oil imports from Russia. Agarwal explained that the decision was prompted by interruptions in energy supplies from the Middle East due to the ongoing US-Israeli military operations against Iran.

By Vafa Guliyeva