Bengaluru Power Supply At Risk? Yelahanka Gas Power Plant Shut After Gas Supply Halt Under New Allocation Rule

Electricity supply in parts of Bengaluru could face pressure after gas supply to the Yelahanka Gas Power Plant, the city's key gas-based power station, was halted following a new natural gas allocation order issued by the Government of India. The decision comes amid tightening global gas supplies linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, raising concerns about potential disruptions in power generation.

Bengaluru Power Cut: Gas Supply Halt Forces Yelahanka Power Plant Offline

Officials said gas supply to the 370-MW Yelahanka Gas Power Plant, operated by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited, was stopped from Thursday morning after the Centre issued a revised priority list for gas allocation under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026.

The supply halt followed a notification from GAIL (India) Limited, which informed state authorities that it was facing difficulties maintaining contracted gas deliveries due to tightening supply conditions.

Because gas-based plants depend entirely on continuous fuel flow to run turbines, the shutdown means the plant cannot operate even at reduced capacity. Without gas, the turbines remain completely idle, instantly removing a key backup source of electricity for the city.

Why the Yelahanka Plant Is Still Important

Even though the electricity generated at the plant costs around Rs 8 per unit, which is higher than many other sources, power distribution companies consider it valuable because it provides quick backup supply during high demand periods.

The facility operates on a combined cycle system, which includes a 236.82 MW gas turbine and a 133.22 MW steam turbine, allowing it to generate electricity efficiently when fuel is available.

Why Gas Shortage Can Affect Electricity Supply

Power plants that run on natural gas convert the fuel into electricity using gas turbines and steam turbines. If gas supply stops, these turbines cannot generate power, similar to how coal plants cannot operate without coal.

The Yelahanka plant, which produces about 370 MW of electricity daily, has been particularly important during months when electricity demand in Bengaluru rises, especially between December and April.

Since late 2024, the plant has served as a stabilising backup for the city's electricity network, helping maintain supply during peak evening demand or when other power stations face maintenance or fuel shortages.

With the plant currently offline, the city loses a flexible power source that can quickly ramp up generation during sudden demand spikes.

New Gas Allocation Rules Prioritise Other Sectors

The shutdown follows the government's revised natural gas allocation policy, which prioritises essential sectors first during periods of supply shortage.

Under the new order, the highest priority has been given to domestic PNG supply, LPG production, CNG used as transport fuel and pipeline operations. These are followed by fertiliser plants, industrial units and commercial consumers.

Power generation units, including the Yelahanka station, have been placed lower in the priority list and will receive gas only after higher-priority sectors are supplied.

Plans to Avoid Power Cuts

Despite the loss of the gas-based plant, officials from Karnataka Energy Department say the overall electricity supply situation in Bengaluru is expected to remain stable for now.

Karnataka currently meets its daily electricity demand of about 355 million units through a mix of thermal, hydel and renewable power, along with purchases from power exchanges and interstate agreements.

Authorities have already arranged additional electricity procurement from states including Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh to compensate for the temporary loss of Yelahanka's output.

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