LPG Shortage Drives Surge in Electricity Demand in Karnataka
Hotels and households turn to electric appliances amid cooking gas supply disruption linked to West Asia tensions.
Bengaluru: Electricity consumption in Karnataka has witnessed a noticeable increase as several consumers shift to electric cooking appliances following a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) linked to ongoing tensions in West Asia.
Officials said the state’s electricity demand has risen by approximately five to six million units since the supply disruption began. Authorities warned that if the shortage persists, power consumption could rise further in the coming days, potentially placing additional pressure on the state’s energy supply system.
The shortage has primarily affected commercial LPG supplies used by hotels, restaurants and other establishments. In response, many businesses, including paying guest accommodations, have begun using electric alternatives such as high-capacity induction stoves, geysers and heater coils for cooking and heating purposes.
While the transition to electric appliances is not yet widespread, energy officials say the shift has already contributed to a measurable increase in electricity usage across the state.
Data indicates that daily electricity demand in Karnataka stood at 350.01 million units on March 5. By March 13, the figure had climbed to 363.97 million units. During the same period last year, demand levels were lower, recorded at around 348 million units and 339 million units respectively.
Officials from the Karnataka State Load Dispatch Centre said the rise in demand may also be partially linked to increasing summer temperatures. However, the LPG supply disruption has played a role in pushing overall electricity consumption upward.
At the same time, certain operational challenges are affecting the state’s power generation capacity. The gas-based power plant at Yelahanka is currently not functioning, while one unit of the Yeramarus Thermal Power Station has halted generation due to employee protests.
Energy officials said these developments could complicate efforts to maintain a stable power supply, especially as demand typically rises during the peak summer months of April and May.
To manage the situation, the state energy department plans to continue electricity procurement through power purchase agreements with neighbouring states such as Punjab and Haryana.
In addition, solar power generation remains strong, and wind power output has increased over the past few days, helping reduce some of the pressure on the state’s power grid. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as demand patterns evolve.
