As disruptions in West Asia impact LPG supply chains, several institutions in Mumbai are turning to biogas systems to keep their kitchens running.
From the Tata Institute of Social Sciences to IIT Bombay, along with Western Railway and a civic ward office of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, institutions with existing waste-to-gas plants say these systems are helping them manage the situation, Mumbai Mirror reported.
At TISS, officials said the biogas facility is acting as a buffer during supply uncertainty. The campus operates two plants, each capable of processing 500 kg of food waste daily. At present, around 250 kg is processed per plant, producing about 25 kg of biogas each day, meeting nearly 10% of cooking fuel needs.
Officials said biogas is not a full replacement for LPG but is proving useful for basic cooking. The gas, generated from kitchen waste, has a lower flame and is suitable for lighter cooking tasks, but it helps conserve LPG and ensures that kitchens do not shut down completely.
At IIT Bombay, authorities said their waste management system has helped reduce LPG consumption. However, concerns over supply shortages have led to temporary changes in hostel mess operations, including a simplified menu aimed at saving fuel.
The institute is also using alternative options such as electric cooking and plans to expand its biogas capacity. Officials said current systems generate gas equivalent to about six LPG cylinders per day, with plans to double this and eventually increase it further.
The ongoing situation has prompted other institutions to reconsider similar projects. A college in Bandra said it is now looking to revive its non-operational biogas plant.
At Mumbai Central, Western Railway has been running a biogas plant since 2018. The unit processes up to 500 kg of biodegradable waste daily and produces gas equivalent to one LPG cylinder, which is used in railway kitchens.
Officials said the system also reduces waste sent to landfills and supports cleaner fuel use in line with the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Experts say the situation highlights the risks of heavy dependence on LPG in a large city like Mumbai. Many restaurants have already cut menus or shifted to alternative cooking methods.
Urban sustainability expert Kamal Munir said biogas is not meant to fully replace LPG but can reduce dependence. Even partial substitution, he noted, can make a significant difference during supply disruptions.
