Katerina Swanson
In the UK, diesel fuel comes in two main colours: red and white. Red diesel, also known as gas oil, is used for off-road vehicles and machinery, while white diesel, also known as DERV (Diesel Engine Road Vehicle), is used for on-road vehicles. The red dye in diesel is added by the government to facilitate dip testing and to identify illegal usage, as it stains the fuel tank and engine components. While there is no chemical difference between red and white diesel, the taxation rates differ significantly, with white diesel being taxed at a much higher rate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour of diesel fuel in the UK | Black, green, red |
| Colour of petrol in the UK | Green |
| Common name for diesel fuel in the UK | Red diesel |
| Other names for diesel fuel in the UK | White diesel, DERV (Diesel Engine Road Vehicle), gas oil, road diesel |
| Colour of diesel fuel nozzle in the UK | Black |
| Colour of petrol fuel nozzle in the UK | Green |
| Tax rate for red diesel fuel in the UK | 11.14 pence per litre |
| Tax rate for white diesel fuel in the UK | 57.95 pence per litre |
| Sulphur content in red diesel fuel | High |
| Sulphur content in white diesel fuel | Low |
| Usage of red diesel fuel | Off-road vehicles, generators, heating applications |
| Usage of white diesel fuel | Cars, vans, trucks, trains, HGVs, road vehicles |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel in the UK is usually black
In the UK, diesel fuel typically appears black, with petrol usually taking on a green hue. This colour distinction is not an international standard, however, as evidenced by Canada's use of black (or sometimes red) for petrol and yellow for diesel.
In the UK, there are two primary types of diesel products available: DERV (Diesel Engine Road Vehicle) and gas oil, also known as red diesel. DERV, or white diesel, is the most common form of diesel, widely available at forecourts and petrol stations across the UK. It is the fuel of choice for numerous industries and is one of the most prevalent fuels used worldwide. Despite its name, DERV is not actually white but rather amber/green in colour.
Red diesel, on the other hand, is standard diesel that has been dyed red. It is intended for off-road use in vehicles, generators, and heating applications. While it is not illegal to purchase red diesel, using it in cars, vans, or road-going vehicles is prohibited and can lead to prosecution. The red dye in red diesel contains higher levels of sulphur, which can cause damage to engines and exhaust systems, particularly those designed for low-sulphur diesel.
The UK government previously offered a significant discount on red diesel duty, making it much cheaper than white diesel. However, this situation is likely to change, with the government announcing an end to the freeze on red diesel duty and removing several industries from the list of those permitted to use it.
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Red diesel is used for off-road vehicles and machinery
In the UK, diesel fuel comes in two major types: Diesel Engine Road Vehicle (DERV) and gas oil (red diesel). While DERV is used for cars, vans, trucks, trains, and HGVs, red diesel is used for off-road vehicles and machinery.
Red diesel is simply DERV that has been dyed red to indicate that it is for off-road use only. Chemically, the two types of diesel are nearly identical, with red diesel containing slightly higher levels of sulphur due to the addition of the dye. This higher sulphur content can cause damage to the engine and exhaust system of vehicles designed to run on low or ultra-low-sulphur diesel. As such, it is illegal to use red diesel on the roads, and doing so may result in prosecution.
Red diesel is commonly used to fuel large pieces of machinery, such as tractors, dumper trucks, and steamrollers. It is also used in generators and heating applications. Due to its restricted usage, red diesel is subject to a lower tax rate than DERV, with red diesel users paying 11.14 pence per litre in tax compared to 57.95 pence per litre for DERV.
While red diesel is used legally in many industries, it can also be used illegally, for example in cars or vans. Mixing red diesel with normal diesel can cause issues with the fuel system and result in decreased engine performance and increased emissions. Therefore, it is important to always use the correct fuel type and consult a professional if unsure.
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White diesel is used for on-road vehicles
In the UK, diesel engine road vehicle fuel, also known as DERV, is the most sought-after fuel for on-road vehicles. It is also the most common form of diesel available at forecourts and petrol stations across the UK. White diesel is chemically identical to red diesel, except for slightly higher sulphur levels in the latter due to the addition of dye.
White diesel is used to fuel thousands of on-road vehicles in the UK and around the world. Cars, vans, trucks, trains, and HGVs rely on white diesel for transportation. It is also used to power commercial generators, engines, and domestic central heating systems. Over 25 billion litres of diesel were sold in the UK in 2020, almost twice the amount of petrol sold in the same year.
White diesel is a distillate of crude oil and is comprised of hydrocarbon molecules. It is also known as diesel engine road vehicle fuel, or DERV, a name used by the fuel industry to differentiate it from red diesel, which is reserved for off-road use. DERV is amber/green in colour and will be clear and bright. It is subject to a higher tax rate than red diesel, and this must be paid in full for on-road use.
The UK government has announced an end to the freeze on red diesel duty, with many industries no longer permitted to use it. This has resulted in many businesses and people being required to switch to white diesel. It is illegal to use red diesel on public roads, and users risk prosecution if they do so.
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Red diesel is taxed at a lower rate than white diesel
In the UK, diesel fuel is available in two types: white diesel and red diesel. While white diesel is used to fuel thousands of on-road vehicles, red diesel is marked with a red dye to indicate that it has been purchased at a lower duty tax rate.
Red diesel is a low-duty fuel and is taxed at a significantly lower rate than white diesel. As of November 2020, red diesel users pay 11.14 pence per litre in tax, while white diesel users pay 57.95 pence per litre. This means that red diesel buyers are effectively getting a discount of up to 81% on their fuel duty. The lower tax rate for red diesel makes it a cost-effective option for massive machinery that demands substantial quantities of fuel.
The reason for the difference in taxation is that red diesel is intended for use in specific industries and not for regular automobiles or road vehicles on public roads. It is used by farmers, miners, and manufacturers, as well as in machines used for agriculture, forestry, and horticulture. The lower tax rate allows businesses in these sectors to avoid high fuel bills.
However, due to rule changes, some industries that previously used red diesel are now required to switch to white diesel or alternative fuels. These industries include construction firms and recycling plants, as well as commercial heating and industrial power generation. The UK government is encouraging the use of more eco-friendly diesel variants taxed at the regular rate to reduce the country's overall carbon footprint.
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Mixing red and white diesel can damage the engine
In the UK, diesel fuel is one of the most commonly used fuels, powering various vehicles and machinery. There are two major types of diesel available: red diesel and white diesel, with the former being a dyed version of the latter. Mixing red and white diesel is not recommended due to their different properties, which can affect performance, efficiency, and emissions.
Red diesel, also known as gas oil or tractor diesel, is intended for off-road use in vehicles and machinery such as tractors, excavators, generators, boats, and other equipment. It is dyed red to distinguish it from normal diesel and allow authorities to identify its use easily. The dye also indicates that it is for off-road use only, as using red diesel in on-road vehicles can result in fines and penalties.
White diesel, on the other hand, is used in on-road vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses that traverse public roadways. It has lower sulphur content, meets emission standards, and is compatible with modern diesel engines. White diesel users pay a higher tax per litre compared to red diesel users, who receive a significant discount on their fuel duty.
Mixing red and white diesel can cause issues with the fuel system. The red dye in red diesel can clog filters and injectors, reducing fuel flow and engine performance. Additionally, the higher sulphur content in red diesel can cause damage to the engine and exhaust system, particularly in vehicles designed for low or ultra-low sulphur diesel. The resulting mixture will have a lower cetane rating, leading to decreased engine performance, increased emissions, and increased wear and tear on the engine.
If red and white diesel are accidentally mixed, it is recommended to stop using the mixture, drain the fuel tank, and dispose of it properly. Preventing issues is better than curing them, so always use the correct fuel type and consult your vehicle's manual or a professional if unsure.
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Frequently asked questions
In the UK, diesel fuel comes in two colours: red and white. Red diesel is also known as gas oil or tractor diesel, while white diesel is also referred to as Diesel Engine Road Vehicle (DERV) or road diesel.
The only difference between red and white diesel is the colour and how they are taxed. Red diesel is used for off-road vehicles and machinery, such as tractors, excavators, and generators, while white diesel is used for on-road vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses. Red diesel is taxed at a much lower rate than white diesel.
The UK government adds dyes to diesel fuel to facilitate dip testing and to identify illegal usage. The red dye in red diesel, for example, stains the fuel tank and engine components, making it easy for authorities to distinguish between vehicles that use red diesel and those that use white diesel.
