White Diesel Vs Red Diesel – The Key Differences

Diesel fuel is fundamental in the petroleum market, powering everything from cars and trucks to heavy machinery.

However, not all diesel goes through the same production process and is created differently in the UK. Two primary diesel fuels stand out, including white and red diesel.

Understanding the differences between the two fuels is highly important, as each fuel serves different purposes and comes with its different usages and set of regulations.

In this blog, we will delve into the variations of white and red diesel and explore their unique characteristics and applications.

Understanding White and Red Diesel

White Diesel typically refers to the standard diesel used in road vehicles and machinery that operate on public roads in the UK. It is also known as DERV (Diesel Engine Road Vehicle).

White diesel is refined to meet strict environmental specifications and regulations, containing a significantly lower level of sulphur compared to other types of diesel. This type of diesel is easily accessible at various fuel stations across the UK.

Red Diesel is a type of diesel commonly used for off-road purposes only, such as off-road vehicles, machinery, and specific industrial applications. It gets its name from the red dye that is added to differentiate it from regular white diesel.

It’s taxed at a significantly lower rate due to its designated use in certain industries and applications, making it cheaper than white diesel. Red diesel contains a higher level of sulphur, which is one of the key differences between the two fuels.

Legal Usage

Usage of white diesel is strictly limited to vehicles designed for road use. It’s used in cars, trucks, and other vehicles intended for use on public roads. The tax on white diesel is higher, which is a significant part of the cost of fuel.

Red diesel, on the other hand, is intended for off-road vehicles and machinery such as tractors, agricultural machinery, and construction equipment.

Lower tax cost is why it’s illegal to use red diesel in vehicles meant for public roads. Using red diesel in a vehicle not approved for its use is an offence and can result in substantial fines.

Chemical Composition

White diesel has a much lower sulphur content, meeting strict environmental standards. It is put through a production process that makes it a much cleaner fuel, emitting fewer harmful pollutants, which aligns with environmental regulations and reduces the impact on air quality.

However, red diesel has a much higher sulphur content and is not as environmentally friendly as white diesel.

The higher sulphur levels contribute to increased emissions, impacting air quality. However, its use is still permitted in off-road machinery due to the lower tax rate, making it more affordable for specific industries.

Dye and Detection

White diesel has no added dye as it’s a standard diesel that is used in vehicles on public roads. The absence of dye makes it easier to detect if red diesel is unlawfully used in vehicles not permitted to run on it.

The application of red dye in red diesel is added to make the identification of the usage of the fuel a lot easier. The dye helps authorities and inspectors detect the misuse of red diesel in vehicles that are not authorised for its use.

Cost Variations

Having higher tax rates means that White diesel is found to be more expensive. Despite being more expensive, white diesel is still the standard diesel used in most vehicles in the UK.

The fuel is easily accessible at all fuelling stations nationwide making it one of the most used fuels in vehicles.

Red diesel is found to be significantly cheaper than white diesel due to its lower tax rate, making it an attractive option for industries using off-road vehicles and machinery.

Its cost-effectiveness is a key advantage, particularly for businesses with extensive fuel requirements.

Environmental Impact

The lower sulphur content in white diesel contributes to reduced emissions and environmental impact. It aligns with stringent regulations aimed at minimising the carbon footprint and protecting air quality.

The higher sulphur content in red diesel leads to increased emissions. Its use in off-road vehicles doesn’t comply with the same environmental standards applied to road vehicles using white diesel. This disparity contributes to its negative impact on the environment.

What Are the Benefits of Both Fuels?

Some of the key differences and characteristics of white and red diesel come from the beneficial impacts they can have on business. Below are some of their key benefits.

White Diesel

White diesel is a highly versatile fuel making it a beneficial fuelling product for businesses and industries.

White diesel is used primarily in on-road diesel vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, and other transport. Its wide availability and compatibility with various diesel engines make it a versatile fuel for transportation.

Furthermore, white diesel is known for its efficiency and is highly beneficial when used in diesel engines. Diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, which can result in lower fuel consumption and greater mileage for vehicles.

Red Diesel

A key benefit of using red diesel fuel for your business is that it has a lower tax rate than white diesel. Red diesel is used in off-road applications such as farming equipment, construction machinery, generators, and marine vessels.

It is often dyed red to signify its tax-exempt status, meaning it’s sold at a lower tax rate for off-road use, reducing operating costs for businesses using these vehicles and equipment.

Red diesel is also further known for its longevity and performance. Off-road machinery and equipment, designed to run on diesel, can often operate more effectively and durably with the higher torque and fuel efficiency provided by diesel fuel.

White and Red Diesel at Pleavin Petroleum

Overall, the choice between white and red diesel is determined by the vehicle or machinery’s intended usage, with each serving its specific purpose within legal and environmental frameworks.

Understanding these differences is essential in making informed decisions and ensuring compliance with regulations governing their use.

If you are looking to purchase white or red diesel for your business, the team here at Pleavin Petroleum are dedicated to ensuring that all customers are provided with cost-effective fuel and an excellent delivery service.

Same-day emergency delivery service is available to all customers here at Pleavin Petroleum, allowing your business to continue to function efficiently daily without the factor of running out of fuel. Make Pleavin Petroleum your first choice fuel provider today!