Welcome to Certas Energy’s guide to gas oil (red diesel). Here you’ll find out everything you need to know about the rebated fuel: from what it is and how it’s made, to who can use it and the latest regulatory updates.
What is gas oil?
Is gas oil known by any other name?
Gas oil is also commonly known as red diesel, owing to the red dye that is added. It is sometimes also referred to as cherry juice, tractor diesel and 35 second oil. Its properties are broadly similar to road diesel, with the red dye distinguishing it from clear-coloured road diesel. The use of gas oil in road vehicles is strictly prohibited by HMRC, with considerable fines for non-compliant usage.
How is gas oil made?
What is gas oil used for?
Are there any regulations to be aware of?
The rules on who can use gas oil and in which applications will be changing from 1 April 2022. The construction sector will be particularly affected. Heavy plant and equipment of all kinds, including NRMM (non-road mobile machinery), can currently run on gas oil when used for construction purposes, but this will no longer be permitted after the April deadline.
Other industries and applications that will no longer be able to rely on red diesel as a rebated fuel include leisure, manufacturing, mining and quarrying, oil and gas extraction, road maintenance, airport and seaport operations, plant hire, logistics and waste management, any commercial heating, and haulage—refrigeration units on lorries will also not be able to run on red diesel. Agricultural vehicles, however, are exempt from the rule changes, and can continue using red diesel as before.
Please see the latest Certas Energy statement for a summary of the gas oil tax legislation changes so far and how they may affect your business – please click here.
Gas oil or road diesel?
Whilst gas oil and road diesel are primarily the same type of fuel, road diesel does have a slightly higher cetane rating and can be more efficient for road vehicles. Both fuels can be used in the same way but, as explained, gas oil can only be used in accordance with government legislation. Using gas oil as an alternative to road diesel outside of the regulations is subject to significant fines.
Ordering gas oil
If you are looking to order gas oil for your business, Certas Energy can deliver to your sites across the UK as well as providing self-service at a range of our refuelling sites (bunker sites) and a selection of our fuel forecourts. Call your local team for further advice on 0345 600 4040 or request a quote online.
Why choose Certas for your gas oil?
Speak to Certas Energy today and find out more about our competitive gas oil services.
Common FAQs about gas oil
Whilst gas oil is a rebated fuel, fuel tax duty is still applied – albeit at a lower rate than white diesel/DERV/road diesel. Prices for gas oil are lower due to this lower fuel duty. Please note: Gas oil tax legislation will be changing from 1st April 2022. Please see the latest Certas Energy statement for a summary of the gas oil tax legislation changes so far and how they may affect your business – please click here.
The EN590 standard is the current emission standard, developed to reduce the sulphur content in diesel fuel. Fuels within this category are referred to as ‘ultra low sulphur fuels’ or ULSD (ultra low sulphur diesel) and gas oil fully complies with the EN590 standard.
‘Gas’ is generally used as the shortened version of gasoline. Gasoline is essentially another term for petrol and is primarily used to fuel road vehicles. Gas oil is an ultra low sulphur fuel (ULSD) alternative and can be used only in accordance with UK legislation, for example in off-road plant and equipment in construction, agriculture and marine, as well as in other industries for heating and stand-by power generators.
