18 May,2026 03:45 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Researchers say DME can help ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Representational Pic
Every day, millions of Indian households rely on LPG cylinders for cooking, but scientists at the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, are working on a homegrown alternative called Dimethyl Ether (DME) that could reduce India's dependence on imported fuel, ANI reported.
Developed at CSIR-NCL, DME is being positioned as a clean fuel that can be produced domestically using coal, biomass, and methanol. Researchers say it closely matches LPG in usage and can help ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
According to scientists, DME and LPG are "almost equivalent" in practical use, with only a slight difference in calorific value. They say DME can be blended easily with LPG, propane, and butane for domestic and industrial applications, ANI reported.
Experts associated with the project say the initial plan involves a 20 per cent DME blend with 80 per cent LPG. Importantly, this transition may not require consumers to change existing stoves or cylinders.
Researchers note that DME has wider applications, including use in LPG-run autorickshaws and potentially replacing diesel generators in certain settings, expanding its role beyond domestic cooking.
As per ANI, scientists believe even a 20 per cent blend could significantly reduce LPG imports and strengthen India's energy security by lowering dependence on foreign fuel markets.
Project scientists describe the initiative as a step towards India's "next-generation deep-tech innovation" and a symbol of growing scientific confidence in developing indigenous energy solutions.
Researchers involved in the project said the technology has progressed from lab-scale development to larger experimental applications, with continued efforts to expand its real-world usability.
Meanwhile, global crude oil prices surged up to 3 per cent on Monday as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran triggered fresh concerns over global supply disruptions, IANS reported.
Brent crude rose as much as 2.37 per cent, or USD 2.60, to USD 111.86 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 3.11 per cent, or USD 3.28, to trade at USD 108.70 per barrel.
The rally comes after reports of rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including an attack on a nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates, heightening fears of instability in the region's key energy routes.
In domestic trade, crude oil futures for June 18 on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) climbed over 3 per cent, or nearly Rs 300, to Rs 9,978 per barrel, IANS reported.
Oil prices had already jumped more than 7 per cent in the previous week amid weakening hopes of a peace deal and continued tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has seen repeated attacks and territorial seizures.
(With ANI, IANS inputs)
