What is DME? Scientists look to scale up output to offset LPG supply blow

As the Middle East conflict continues to spill across global oil markets, India is looking to expand the production of dimethyl ether (DME), an alternative that could help deal with ongoing LPG disruptions. A government-run research institute is examining ways to boost the output of the fuel, which scientists say could help address supply challenges linked to LPG. The CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) has recently established a pilot plant for DME and is now planning to scale up the facility. Researchers at the laboratory told ET that the fuel has the potential to act as an indigenous alternative to liquefied petroleum gas, which is widely used for cooking. The push comes at a time when LPG prices have risen sharply following disturbances in global supply chains. "Substituting LPG with DME does not require any change in the existing infrastructure such as cylinders, gaskets, regulators, hoses or burners," Ashish Lele, director of NCL told ET.Standards for blending DME with LPG have already been established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for domestic, commercial and industrial applications.DME or Dimethyl ether is produced synthetically from methanol, which can be obtained from dry biomass, coal or even captured carbon dioxide. The fuel shares similar characteristics with LPG and can be blended with liquefied petroleum gas in different proportions. According to scientists involved in the project, replacing LPG with DME would not require modifications to the current cooking fuel infrastructure. Cylinders, gaskets, regulators, hoses and burners already in use would continue to function without changes.