Worried About LPG Shortage? Here's How To Make Gas At Home And Get Paid By The Govt

Last Updated:March 10, 2026, 20:51 IST

Experts say biogas systems can be built at home at a relatively low cost and can significantly reduce dependence on LPG cylinders

Concerns over a possible shortage of cooking gas cylinders have begun to worry households as the ongoing West Asia conflict involving US-Israel-Iran disrupted global energy supply chains. With LPG prices already rising and delivery delays feared in some regions, many households are exploring alternative fuel options. One solution that is drawing attention is the simple home biogas unit, which converts kitchen waste into usable cooking gas.

Experts say biogas systems can be built at home at a relatively low cost and can significantly reduce dependence on LPG cylinders. A basic unit can be assembled for anywhere between Rs 500-Rs 5,000, depending on whether recycled materials are used. Apart from reducing cooking fuel expenses by more than 50%, such systems also address the growing challenge of disposing of wet waste in urban households.

The setup typically requires two plastic drums, one larger drum of about 200 litres and a smaller one of around 150 litres. The top of the larger drum is cut to install an inlet pipe for feeding wet waste and an outlet pipe for removing excess slurry. The smaller drum is placed upside down inside the larger one, where it acts as a chamber to collect the gas produced during decomposition.

To start the process, around 20-30 kgs of cow dung mixed with water is poured into the large drum. This mixture helps develop the bacteria necessary for anaerobic digestion. Once the drum is sealed airtight, the decomposition process begins. Within 15 to 20 days, methane gas starts forming, gradually pushing the smaller drum upward, an indication that gas has been generated.

The collected gas can then be channelled to the kitchen using a small tube and used on a specially designed biogas stove. Regularly adding kitchen waste such as leftover rice, lentils, flour-based food, and overripe fruits like bananas or papayas helps maintain a steady supply of gas. Cow dung is mainly used during the initial stage to activate bacterial growth.

Experts advise avoiding citrus fruit peels and onion skins, as these may slow down the fermentation process. Compared with LPG, biogas offers a free and environmentally friendly alternative. The leftover slurry from the system can also be used as a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser for plants.

Although biogas pressure is lower than LPG, it is adequate for routine cooking tasks such as preparing tea, snacks and light meals. If old drums and pipes are reused, the unit may cost between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500, while new materials could raise the cost to about Rs 5,000. The system can usually be assembled within four to five hours, though the first batch of gas may take between 15 and 25 days to generate.

Plastic drum-based biogas units typically last between five and ten years. Larger units made with bigger tanks or Sintex containers can store more gas and may last up to 20 to 30 years.

The government has also been encouraging adoption of biogas technology. Under various renewable energy schemes, households installing larger and permanent biogas plants may receive subsidies ranging from Rs 9,800 to Rs 70,400.

With urban waste management becoming a growing concern, experts say converting kitchen waste into cooking fuel offers both environmental and economic benefits. Instead of discarding organic waste, households can turn it into a sustainable energy source within their own homes.

News india Worried About LPG Shortage? Here's How To Make Gas At Home And Get Paid By The Govt

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