Bengaluru: The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) completely suspended natural gas supply to the Yelahanka gas-based power plant at 6 AM on Thursday, March 12. Energy Ministry officials warn that this disruption—triggered by the escalating West Asia conflict—could hit electricity generation for the state’s capital.
Why the Supply Stopped
The 370-megawatt Yelahanka plant, operated by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), is Karnataka’s only gas-based facility. The shutdown follows a new Central Government mandate under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026.
Due to nationwide shortages caused by the Israel-Iran conflict, the Centre has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritize gas for homes and transport over power plants.
New National Priority List
Under the latest gazette notification, the government has ranked gas allocation to manage the crisis. Power generation currently sits at the lowest priority:
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Top Priority (100% Supply): Domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG), LPG production, and CNG for transport.
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Second Priority (70% Supply): Fertilizer plants.
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Third/Fourth Priority (80% Supply): Industrial and commercial consumers (including tea manufacturers).
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Lowest Priority: Power generation facilities like Yelahanka.
Impact on Karnataka’s Power Grid
The Yelahanka unit has run continuously since December to support Bengaluru’s energy needs. While the state’s daily demand of 355 million units is currently stable, officials are scrambling to fill the gap.
Karnataka is currently maintaining supply through:
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Thermal and Hydel power plants.
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Solar and Wind energy.
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Power Exchanges with Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana
Energy officials noted that while they are drawing maximum power from the Central grid, any further curtailment could lead to minor power disruptions in Bengaluru. Gas supplies to the power sector will likely remain restricted until the geopolitical situation in West Asia stabilizes.
