Cremations halted over oil shortage from the Iran war: ‘Never seen anything like this’
The ongoing war in Iran is now affecting even the dead, as fuel shortages are forcing crematoriums in several Asian countries to cut back operations.
In India’s Maharashtra state, Vaikunth Dham—the region’s largest crematorium in Pune—has had to suspend all gas-powered cremations due to a severe lack of fuel, according to India Now magazine. The facility, which normally operates three gas furnaces, now plans to switch to electric and wood-based cremations. It currently has just enough liquefied petroleum gas for two more cremations, a dramatic decline from its usual daily average of 20.
Similarly, in Thailand, Wat Saman Rattanaram, a Buddhist temple in Chachoengsao province, may soon have to stop cremation services as diesel supplies run dangerously low. The temple’s abbot, Phra Ratchwachiraprachanart, told Bloomberg on Tuesday that in more than 50 years he has never seen a shortage like this. The temple, about 50 miles east of Bangkok, had only 53 gallons of fuel remaining—enough for two cremations.
The shortages are a direct consequence of the Iran war, which has disrupted energy supplies and forced governments worldwide to make tough decisions about allocating fuel. Countries in Asia are particularly affected because they rely heavily on imported oil, much of which passes through the now-blocked Strait of Hormuz.
Authorities in the region are taking multiple measures to cope, including reviewing oil reserves, reducing energy consumption, competing for limited supplies, and attempting to control rising prices. Households, businesses, and government offices are being urged to cut electricity usage wherever possible.
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