Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday highlighted the ongoing challenges related to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) availability and said the govt is exploring alternatives such as blending dimethyl ether (DME) to reduce import dependency.Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Gadkari said India is facing LPG supply constraints following the war in West Asia, prompting the need for innovative solutions. He revealed that a proposal to blend up to 8% DME with LPG is under active consideration.
“We have received a report from the Petroleum Institute, Dehradun, which suggests that 8% DME can be blended in LPG. This will help reduce imports,” he said, adding that a meeting with concerned ministries is scheduled soon to take the proposal forward.Gadkari noted that DME can be produced from multiple sources, including low-quality coal and biomass, making it a viable alternative fuel. He said such initiatives would not only reduce dependence on imports but also utilise locally available resources.He further pointed out that low-grade coal, often seen as a limitation, can be converted into valuable products like methanol, ammonium nitrate and DME, thereby turning a challenge into an opportunity.Gadkari reiterated the need for coordinated efforts between govt, industry and research institutions to accelerate the adoption of such technologies and ensure long-term sustainability in the energy sector.
