Have you heard of red diesel before, or have questions about its use, purpose, and legality? Since 1961, red diesel, known for its gas oil, has been in the market, mainly used for off-road purposes. The legality of its use varies, so you must keep informed about its legal use. Various fuels are available, ranging from simple coal to intricate fuel formulas. Yet, red diesel is currently creating significant interest in the fuel market.
As one of the leading suppliers in the industry, we are often asked questions about commercial and industrial use. This guide will dive deeper into a detailed explanation of red diesel, its versatile use, insights, and legalities so you do not have any confusion in the future.
What is Red Diesel?
It is a typical mineral diesel mixed well with red dye to indicate its lower duty rate. The dye and biomarker do not have any impact on the usage or performance of fuel. As a rebated fuel, red diesel has a lower tax rate than standard diesel, which you can access easily from petrol stations. However, using red diesel in vehicles on public roads is not legal because it is only permitted for off-road vehicles, machines, and market heating systems. So, it is best to understand the standard use of red diesel.
Common Uses of Red Diesel
Red diesel oil is a type of diesel that is mainly used for off-road concerns in multiple industries, such as:
Agriculture: Vehicles and machinery for agriculture, gardening, fish farming, etc.
Construction: Powers bulldozers, cranes and other machines
Oil extraction: Powers the drills
Non-commercial heating: Heat off-grid households, houses of worship, and townhalls
Non-commercial power generation: Generates electricity in non-commercial premises, including hospitals.
Rail: Propels passenger, freight, or upkeep vehicles
Heating and electricity: Generates electricity and heat in non-commercial premises, including hospitals and state schools
Community sports clubs: Maintains community amateur sports clubs and golf courses
Marine: All marine craft refuelling and operating
Travelling fairs and circuses: Powers the machinery of travelling fairs and circuses
Snow clearance: Clears snow, ice, frost, or flooding
In April 2022, the UK government eliminated the right to use red diesel in multiple sectors to align with its weather change and air quality marks. As a result of these tax changes, most users must utilize diesel fuel that is taxed at the standard rate.
How to Securely Store and Handle Red Diesel
Like other diesel oil, red diesel is a hazardous material that must be securely stored and tackled. There are a few you can follow to handle it carefully:
- Stored at room temperature and maintained distance from heat sources and direct sunlight.
- Use specially designed containers to store diesel; do not fill empty bottles or cartons.
- Prior to filling the tank, clean it carefully using detergent and rinse using water.
- Avoid moisture accumulation, and try to keep the tank full.
- Eliminate the airtight by ensuring the fuel tank is sealed.
- Inspect the tank daily to check for leakages and damages.
- Repeatedly perform the test of the fuel for contamination.
- Try to dispose of unwanted fuel appropriately.
- Safeguard engines from friction and corrosion using the right lubricant.
Differences Between Red Diesel and Regular Diesel
There are multiple differences between red diesel and regular oil.
Dye
Red diesel oil is different from regular diesel because of the red dye. The dye will not alter the characteristics of the diesel, yet it hides the inside of machinery so the government can trace unlawful usage.
Tax Rate
It has a lower tax rate as compared to regular diesel. For instance, in January 2022, individuals who used red diesel paid duty charges of 11.14 pence per litre, while white diesel users paid 57.95 pence per litre.
Usage
Red diesel is mostly used in off-road cars and machines; conversely, regular diesel is used in road cars. It is not legal to incorporate red diesel on public roads.
The Environmental Impact of Red Diesel
Red diesel is a fossil fuel which is a destructive pollutant that has multiple negative environmental impacts, such as:
Carbon dioxide production: Produces around 14 million tonnes of CO2 every year.
Nitrogen oxide & PM10 emissions: Responsible for the emission of 7% of nitrogen oxide and 8% of PM10.
Dissolving plastics & rubbers: Contains fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) that dissolves plastics, surface coatings and rubbers.
Absorbing moisture: Absorbs moisture from the atmosphere because of FAME, which sheds water to the bottom of the container.
Alternatives to Red Diesel
Red diesel is cheaper than regular oil because of its low tax charges, and the addition of red dye makes it different from clear-coloured road diesel. Here are some replacements for red diesel:
- White Diesel
- Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)
- Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) Fuel
- Kerosene Oil
- Industrial Heating Oil
- Electric Machines
- Carbon Offset Red Diesel (CORD)
