Top 10 Companies in the Di-methyl Ether Industry (2025): Market Leaders Driving the Clean Fuel Transition

In Business Insights
November 30, 2025

The Global Di-methyl Ether Market was valued at USD 5.69 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 9.87 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This robust growth is propelled by stringent environmental regulations, the global push for cleaner-burning fuels, and the versatile applications of DME as an LPG blending agent, aerosol propellant, and diesel substitute.

As industries worldwide accelerate their decarbonization efforts, the focus intensifies on the key producers and innovators who are scaling DME production and developing sustainable bio-based pathways. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Di-methyl Ether Industry—a combination of chemical giants, energy majors, and specialized technology firms shaping the future of this promising clean fuel.


🔟 1. China Energy Investment Corp (China Energy)

Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Fossil fuel-based DME, Bio-DME, LPG Blending Components

China Energy Corp is the world’s largest DME producer, leveraging China’s vast coal resources and established coal-to-chemicals infrastructure. The company operates massive production facilities that supply the domestic market, where DME is extensively used for LPG blending to reduce urban air pollution. Their integrated operations provide significant cost advantages and secure a dominant position in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Pioneering coal-to-DME technologies with carbon capture utilization

  • Investing in bio-DME pilot plants for sustainable production

  • Developing next-generation catalysts for improved production efficiency

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Di-methyl Ether Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Royal Dutch Shell PLC

Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands / London, UK
Key Offering: Fuel-grade DME, Chemical-grade DME, Bio-DME solutions

Shell is a major global player in the DME market, utilizing its extensive gas-to-liquids expertise and global distribution network. The company is actively developing DME as a clean transportation fuel and has partnered with automotive manufacturers to test DME-powered vehicles. Shell’s strategic focus includes integrating DME into its broader portfolio of low-carbon energy solutions.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Advanced DME production from natural gas with lower carbon intensity

  • Strategic partnerships for DME vehicle fleet development

  • Research into biomass-derived DME pathways


8️⃣ 3. Mitsubishi Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: DME production technology, Fuel distribution, International trading

Mitsubishi Corporation plays a crucial role in the global DME value chain through technology licensing, international trading, and strategic investments. The company has developed proprietary DME production technology and facilitates cross-border DME trade, particularly between producing regions in Asia and demand centers worldwide.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Licensing advanced DME production technology globally

  • Establishing international DME supply chains and standards

  • Investing in bio-DME startups and pilot projects


7️⃣ 4. DuPont

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: High-purity DME, Aerosol-grade DME, Specialty chemical applications

DuPont focuses on high-value DME applications, particularly in the aerosol propellant and specialty chemical sectors. The company leverages its chemical engineering expertise to produce high-purity DME that meets stringent industry specifications for personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Developing sustainable DME formulations for aerosol products

  • Advanced purification technologies for high-purity applications

  • Partnerships with consumer goods companies for green propellants

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Di-methyl Ether Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS)

Headquarters: Daegu, South Korea
Key Offering: DME for power generation, LPG blending, Industrial applications

KOGAS is South Korea’s principal natural gas provider and a significant player in the DME market. The company utilizes its gas infrastructure and import capabilities to develop DME as a complementary clean fuel. KOGAS is particularly active in promoting DME for power generation and industrial use as part of South Korea’s energy diversification strategy.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • DME blending projects for cleaner power generation

  • Development of DME import infrastructure and storage facilities

  • Research on DME co-firing in gas turbines


5️⃣ 6. Oberon Fuels

Headquarters: San Diego, California, USA
Key Offering: Renewable DME (rDME), Small-scale production technology

Oberon Fuels is a pioneer in renewable DME production, focusing on converting waste streams and renewable methanol into clean-burning fuel. The company’s modular production technology enables decentralized DME production, making it particularly suitable for regional markets and specialized applications where sustainability is paramount.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Proprietary technology for converting biogas to rDME

  • Partnerships with transportation companies for DME vehicle trials

  • Development of small-scale DME production units


4️⃣ 7. Akzo Nobel NV

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Aerosol-grade DME, Specialty chemical intermediates

Akzo Nobel, a global paints and coatings leader, is also a significant producer of high-purity DME for aerosol applications. The company supplies DME to the personal care, household product, and industrial spray sectors, where its excellent solvency and environmental profile make it an attractive alternative to traditional propellants.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Developing DME-based formulations for eco-friendly aerosols

  • Investment in production efficiency and purity enhancement

  • Collaboration with customers on sustainable product development


3️⃣ 8. Grillo-Werke AG

Headquarters: Duisburg, Germany
Key Offering: High-purity DME, Chemical-grade DME, Custom formulations

Grillo-Werke is a German chemical company with a strong focus on DME production for European markets. The company produces high-quality DME for various applications, including aerosols, chemical synthesis, and specialized industrial uses. Grillo’s strategic location in Europe’s industrial heartland provides access to key markets and customers.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Production process optimization for reduced environmental impact

  • Development of customized DME blends for specific applications

  • Investment in renewable energy for DME production facilities


2️⃣ 9. Fuel DME Production Co.

Headquarters: International
Key Offering: Fuel-grade DME, Production technology, Project development

Fuel DME Production Company specializes in developing and operating DME production facilities worldwide. The company focuses on both fossil-fuel-based and bio-based DME production, with projects in multiple regions. Their expertise spans the entire value chain from feedstock sourcing to fuel distribution.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of integrated DME production projects

  • Technology partnerships for efficient DME synthesis

  • Focus on carbon-neutral DME production pathways


1️⃣ 10. Shenhua Ningxia Coal Industry Group Co.

Headquarters: Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
Key Offering: Coal-based DME, LPG substitute, Industrial fuel

As a subsidiary of China Energy, Shenhua Ningxia is one of China’s largest DME producers, utilizing the country’s abundant coal resources. The company operates world-scale DME production facilities that primarily serve the domestic market for LPG blending and industrial applications, contributing significantly to China’s clean energy objectives.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Large-scale coal-to-DME production with emission controls

  • Research on carbon capture for DME production facilities

  • Development of cleaner coal conversion technologies

Get Full Report Here: Global Di-methyl Ether Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Di-methyl Ether Is Sustainable and Diversified

The Di-methyl Ether market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional coal-based production still dominates in volume, the industry is rapidly advancing toward bio-based pathways and exploring innovative applications beyond conventional uses.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated bio-DME capacity expansion in Europe and North America

  • Increasing regulatory support for DME as a clean transportation fuel

  • Diversification into new applications including power generation and chemical feedstocks

  • Strategic alliances between energy companies and vehicle manufacturers

Get Full Report Here: Global Di-methyl Ether Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only meeting current market demand—they’re actively shaping the clean energy transition through innovation and strategic investments in sustainable DME production.