The paper generalizes research by the authors on the catalytic properties of Ga-containing pentasils in the aromatization of low-molecular weight paraffins. An examination is made of the factors affecting the degree and selectivity of conversion of propane, butanes and n-pentane in the presence of Ga-pentasils of different composition, produced by means of impregnation; mechanical mixing of Ga2O3 with a zeolite matrix, sodium gallate treatment of H-pentasil and hydrothermal synthesis. The important role of isomorphous replacement of framework aluminium and silicon atoms by gallium in the formation of active and selective aromatization catalysts is shown. The reasons for the high selectivity of Ga- and Pt/Ga-pentasils in the aromatization of low-molecular weight paraffins are discussed, including their peculiar acidic properties and localization of promoter atoms in different elements of the zeolite structure. On the basis of the data obtained judgements are made concerning the mechanism of catalytic action of Ga-and Pt/Ga-pentasils, and the principles for selecting effective catalysts for the aromatization of low-molecular weight paraffins are formulated.