LPG shortage hits gas crematoriums in Kozhikode

Kozhikode: The shortage of LPG cylinders has begun affecting the functioning of gas-based crematoriums in Kozhikode, with the corporation-run Smrithipadam crematorium facing difficulty in obtaining gas cylinders. Deputy mayor S Jayasree said the gas agency that had been supplying cylinders to the crematorium has informed the civic body that it was instructed to prioritize domestic consumers."We are facing difficulty in obtaining LPG cylinders. We will approach the company to treat gas required for cremation as an emergency need and allot the necessary cylinders," she said. Employees at Smrithipadam crematorium said the facility had only one cylinder available on Wednesday morning, which was used for a single cremation. By afternoon, they managed to procure three additional cylinders, but bookings for cremations had already been made for the next day. "It will become an issue if we do not get enough cylinders," said Anandan, a staff member at the crematorium.Jayasree said the corporation currently operates gas crematoriums at West Hill and Smrithipadam, while the facilities at Nallalam and Puthiyapalam are not functioning due to maintenance issues. She added that the electric crematorium at Smrithipadam is under repair and is expected to resume operations in two days.