Bengaluru: Facing soaring LPG prices and increasing waste management expenses, hotels and restaurants across the city are now exploring biogas as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative fuel.
The shift comes amid concerns over wet waste disposal charges, currently capped at ₹12 per kg, which industry stakeholders say could significantly inflate operational costs under the revised system.
Most hotels in the city fall under the category of bulk waste generators, producing over 100 kg of waste daily, making them particularly vulnerable to the new pricing structure. With the hospitality sector contributing nearly 40% of Bengaluru’s total waste, the move toward converting waste into energy is gaining traction.
Industry representatives have warned that paying per kilogram for waste disposal, in addition to existing taxes and commercial charges, may become financially unsustainable. As a result, many establishments are now evaluating biogas plants that can convert food waste into cooking fuel, reducing dependence on external LPG suppliers.
The Bengaluru Hotels Association (BHA) is actively considering setting up decentralised biogas plants across different parts of the city. This approach aims to cut transportation costs, manage waste locally, and generate fuel for in-house use.
To move forward, the association has sought land support from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). Officials have indicated a positive stance toward collaboration, although a formal proposal is still awaited.
Experts note that biogas—produced from organic waste—can serve as a clean and renewable cooking fuel, offering both economic savings and environmental benefits. The transition could help hotels reduce fuel bills, cut emissions, and address waste disposal challenges simultaneously.
The development highlights a broader trend in urban India, where businesses are increasingly adopting waste-to-energy solutions to counter rising fuel costs and regulatory pressures while promoting sustainability.
