There is often some confusion surrounding Red Diesel. Craggs Energy aims to provide you with some more facts regarding usage and the differences between Red and White Diesel.
What is the difference?
A lot of people think White and Red Diesel and virtually the same. This used to be the case but since 2009 Gas Oil (Red Diesel) now has a completely new specification.
Lets start with the prices. Red Diesel is a lot cheaper the standard ultra low sulphur diesel (White Diesel). This is due to a number of factors, you don’t pay anywhere near as much duty on Gas Oil and this is because it is meant to be used in plant or machinery and not on road going vehicles. Red diesel can be used as a heating oil in large commercial properties. Gas Oil now has a lower cetane lever than standard diesel. This is a problem for new plant and machinery such as tractors. Newer tractors produced in Europe are often built to run of ultra low sulphur diesel so when standard gas oil is used instead fuel injectors can get blocked up. The easiest way to solve this is a fuel additive that will bring up the level equal to that of ULSD. One of the biggest differences is the red dye added to gas oil. This is why people refer to gas oil as Red Diesel in the UK. In Ireland they use a green dye instead. Red diesel can now be used by tractors or machinery operating on the road if they are doing tasks such as clearing or gritting the roads. Vehicles like tractors can also use gas oil to move product from one field to another or travel to another field.
Key facts about Red Diesel
- Red diesel was traditionally used for domestic heating it is now more common for homes to run of Kerosene.
- Commercially used in cranes, bulldozers, generators, tractors and combine harvesters.
- Red diesel is a cost effective alternative as it doesn’t carry as much tax as ULSD.
- Red diesel can be purchased in barrels of 210 litres of bulk deliveries of 500/1000 litres.
If you would like to find out more contact Craggs Energy on 01422 882500 or fill in our quote form for an instant price.
