Bengaluru's Yelahanka Power Plant Halted Due to Iran-US Tensions

The Yelahanka Gas Power Plant in Bengaluru, India's ninth-largest city by population, has halted operations due to a gas supply crunch caused by Iran-US tensions. The plant generates 370 MW of electricity daily for the city grid since September 2024.

The shutdown has raised concerns about power supply disruptions in Bengaluru and across Karnataka state. However, an official told Times of India that the energy requirement will be met from other power plants, including thermal and hydel plants, along with abundant renewable energy during summer months.

GAIL stopped supplying gas to the plant on March 12, 6:00 am. The disruption has also fueled concerns over a wider fuel supply crunch in India due to the ongoing Iran-US war. The Indian government has invoked powers under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

The shutdown of the power plant may not have an immediate impact on Bengaluru's power supply but would lead to power supply disruptions in some Karnataka districts. The state's daily electricity demand stands at around 355 million units, which is being met through a mix of thermal and hydel power plants, solar and wind energy, and power drawn from the Central grid.

The Yelahanka Gas Power Plant primarily served as a backup facility during periods when electricity demand in Bengaluru exceeded regular supply. The plant used to procure power from BESCOM at around Rs 8 per kWh.