A Short Guide To Red Diesel

Introduction to Red Diesel

Like so many fuels in our industry, red diesel has collected an impressive number of alternative monikers and nicknames over the years. Red diesel is sometimes referred to as rebated diesel, medium diesel, agricultural diesel, tractor diesel, marine diesel, cherry juice, cherry red, gas oil, and 35 second oil. Quite the list! The ‘35 second oil’ name refers to the amount of time it takes for 50ml of red diesel to pass from one container to another at 40oC, a test of its viscosity! Kerosene gained the nickname ’28 second oil’ through this same method.

What is Red Diesel and How is it Different from Standard White Diesel?

Red diesel gets its primary name from two different sourced. The ‘red’ in red diesel is meant to be shorthand for ‘rebated’, referring to its status as a fuel exempt from certain taxes. Red diesel is intended for use in industrial and commercial applications, so it is sold at a lower tax rate than the standard white diesel you use in your car, which makes it much cheaper. This is where red diesel’s other namesake emerges. Red diesel has red dye added to it to visually distinguish it from white diesel, and to stain the engines of vehicles which use it for police to check for illegal usage. Other than this dye, red diesel and white diesel are identical fuels!

Who is Allowed to Use Red Diesel?

Up until earlier this year, use of red diesel was permitted in far more industries than it is now. In April 2022 the UK government brought in new regulations removing access to rebated fuels like red diesel from multiple industries, in an attempt to reduce national emissions and move toward Net Zero targets. Construction companies and recycling centres were removed from the list of approved industries, while using red diesel for commercial heating or power was also made illegal. These industries will now have to use white diesel at a much higher price.

Even so, many industries are still allowed to access red diesel and benefit from its low tax status. These industries are permitted to continue using red diesel following the new regulations coming into place in April 2022:

  • Agriculture
  • Horticulture
  • Forestry
  • Aquatic farming
  • Industrial maritime shipping
  • Commercial maritime transport
  • Non-propulsion usage on private maritime craft
  • Residential or non-commercial heating and power

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Deliveries

  • What areas do you deliver to?

    We deliver to most regions in the UK. To check if we service your area, please use our delivery postcode checker or contact our support team 01772 619 461 

  • What is the minimum order quantity for delivery?

    The minimum order quantity varies depending on the fuel type. For most orders, it is 500 litres, but smaller deliveries may be available upon request for example barrels of 205l fuel.

  • How long does delivery take?

    Standard deliveries typically take 3–5 working days. We also offer express delivery options for urgent orders.

  • What should I do if my tank is overfilled or damaged during delivery?

    Please report any issues to our customer service team immediately. We will investigate and resolve the issue promptly.

  • Can I change or cancel my delivery?

    Yes, you can modify or cancel your delivery by contacting us at least 24 hours before the scheduled delivery time.

  • Do you charge a delivery fee?

    Standard delivery is included in the fuel price for most orders. Express deliveries or orders below the minimum quantity may incur additional fees.

  • What types of vehicles are used for delivery?

    We use a fleet of fuel tankers suitable for residential, commercial, and agricultural deliveries. For restricted access locations, we may send a smaller vehicle.

  • What if my delivery is delayed?

    While we strive to deliver on time, delays can occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If your delivery is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.

  • What should I do to prepare for a delivery?

    Ensure your tank is easily accessible, remove any obstructions, and secure pets or gates. If your tank has a lock, please make sure it is unlocked.

  • How will I know when my delivery will arrive?

    You will receive a notification with an estimated delivery date once your order is confirmed. On the day of delivery, our driver may contact you directly.

  • Do I need to be present during the delivery?

    In most cases, you don’t need to be present as long as your tank is accessible and ready for filling.

  • What happens if I’m not available during the delivery?

    If you’re not available, our driver can deliver the fuel to your tank as long as it is accessible and safe to do so. If access is restricted, we will contact you to reschedule.

  • Can I schedule my delivery?

    Absolutely. You can choose a preferred delivery date during the order process. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

  • Do you offer same-day or next-day delivery?

    Yes, same-day and next-day delivery options are available in select areas. Additional charges may apply.

Payments

  • What currency are payments processed in?

    Payments are processed in GBP (British Pounds). If you are paying from outside the UK, your bank may apply conversion fees.

  • Is my payment information secure?

    Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption and secure payment gateways to protect your payment details.

  • Can I request an extension on my payment due date?

    Yes, payment extensions may be available upon request. Please contact our billing team to discuss options.

  • Do you offer refunds?

    Refunds are processed in accordance with our refund policy. Please contact our support team for further assistance.

  • How can I update my payment details?

    You can update your payment details by contacting our customer service team. 

  • Can I split my payment across multiple methods?

    Unfortunately, we do not support splitting payments across multiple methods at this time.

  • What should I do if my payment is declined?

    If your payment is declined, double-check your payment details and try again. If the issue persists, contact your bank or our support team for assistance.

  • How do I receive my invoice or receipt?

    Invoices and receipts are sent to your registered email address or by letter.

  • Is there a surcharge for using a credit card?

    No, we do not charge additional fees for payments made using a credit card.

  • Do you offer credit terms for businesses?

    Yes, we provide credit terms for eligible business customers. Please contact our sales team to discuss account setup and terms.

  • Can I set up a direct debit or recurring payment?

    Yes, you can set up direct debit or recurring payments to ensure timely and hassle-free billing.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, direct bank transfers. For business customers, we also offer account-based billing.

  • I paid for my order by card, I received less fuel than I paid for due to the tank being full, what happens now?

    We have a couple of options available, we can refund your payment card, this takes 3-5 working days from the date we process your refund. Alternatively, we can leave the credit sat on your account and adjust this amount from the payment for your next order.