Ethane aromatization was carried out using metal promoted ZSM-5 catalysts. Desired products including ethylene and aromatics were obtained over Pt and Mo promoted ZSM-5 zeolite under reaction conditions of 600 degrees C, 0.1 MPa and GHSV = 1000 h(-1). Results indicated that aromatics were formed via ethylene intermediate. Although ethane conversion and selectivity to aromatics were influenced by metal promoters, the distribution of benzene, toluene, xylenes and C-9 aromatics depends mainly on the shape selective property of the ZSM-5. Ethane aromatization catalyst deactivated over time due to carbon deposition and metal leaching. Although oxidative regeneration could recovered 90% activity, the catalyst deactivated even faster after regeneration. For the purpose of economic comparison between direct and indirect natural gas conversion, the performance of edge coated Co-Re/gamma-Al2O3 Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst was presented. Even with capital savings on downstream refining, indirect natural gas conversion shows lower internal rate of return (IRR), largely because of higher capital and operating costs in syngas production.