Indigenous alternative to LPG? Central lab looks to scale up DME pilot

Pune: A central government laboratory, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), is looking to scale up its recently set up pilot plant for dimethyl ether (DME), which scientists say could serve as an indigenous alternative to LPG amid supply disruptions.

Scientists said substituting LPG with DME would not require changes to existing infrastructure, including cylinders, gaskets, regulators, hoses or burners. DME can also be used independently with stoves specifically designed for it.

LPG, a widely used cooking fuel, has seen sharp price escalation following recent disruptions in global supply chains.


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DME is a synthetic fuel produced from methanol, which can be derived from dry biomass, coal or captured carbon dioxide. It has properties similar to LPG and can be blended with liquefied petroleum gas over a wide range. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established standards for blending DME with LPG for domestic, commercial and industrial use.

"Substituting LPG with DME does not require any change in the existing infrastructure such as cylinders, gaskets, regulators, hoses or burners," said Ashish Lele, director of NCL.

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