Advantages of red diesel for agricultural vehicles

Red diesel is the fuel of choice for all agricultural machinery. But what are the advantages of red diesel for agricultural vehicles? And what do you need to consider to stay on the right side of the law when using this? Well, here at Compass Fuel Oils, we are the UK’s leading provider of fuel oils like red diesel and AdBlue, as well as lubricants and greases. And this is our guide to everything you should know about agricultural vehicles and red diesel.

What are the advantages of red diesel for agricultural vehicles?

There are a number of advantages to using red diesel for farm based agricultural vehicles. These advantages include:

  • Saving money- red diesel is a heavily rebated fuel, which makes it a lot cheaper than any other fuel type, especially white diesel. This is because there is a significantly lower fuel tax duty required to pay on red diesel. This can make a big difference to the day to day running of your agricultural business, and help to ensure that you can increase profits.
  • Keeping agricultural vehicles running- tractors and other heavy duty agricultural vehicles can struggle to heat up and start in cold weather. Red diesel however generates more heat than other types of fuels, so you can cut your warm up time down, and get on with the working day.

What are the considerations for using red diesel for agricultural vehicles?

There are a numebr of considerations to take into account when using red diesel for your agricultural vehicles. These considerations include:

  • Using red diesel on the road- you must only use red diesel for agricultural machinery on public roads, legally, if you are carrying out agricultural, horticultural or forestry work, and specifically you cannot use red diesel just for haulage. Using red diesel in a farm vehicle for any other purpose, unrelated to agriculture, can result in a hefty fine or even a two year prison sentence!
  • Dual purpose machinery- many farms use tractors and other agricultural vehicles for dual purposes, including moving materials for construction sites and haulage. In terms of red diesel, it is only permitted for use in vehicles that are solely used for agricultural work, not both.

Choose Compass Fuel Oils for your red diesel

Here at Compass Fuel Oils, we can provide you with red diesel, whenever and wherever you are across the UK. We can offer:

  • Different quantities of red diesel- From a small 205 litre barrel up to 36,500 litres on an articulated tanker, we can provide all the fuel you need. We also have the ability to pump over barrels of fuel oil from a van, so if space is an issue, or you are in a remote part of the mainland UK, we can help keep you fully fueled.
  • Red diesel storage solutions- we can also fuel tank hire, so you can store red diesel on site, and keep topped up, as and when you need to.
  • Fast and effective delivery- we can deliver red diesel to your destination in just 1-3 days, depending on location.

If you need red diesel, why not get in touch with the professionals today, here at Compass Fuel Oils?

Komatsu excavator model PC240LC-11 positioned on a grassy landscape with sunlight behind it.

White Diesel Prices UK

Dec 9, 2025

White Diesel (Road Diesel) continues to be essential for fleets, haulage, commercial vehicles and many industrial sites. Prices are currently averaging around 109ppl, although this figure can change daily depending on market conditions and delivery volumes. To get an...

Tractor working in a field, collecting hay bales under a cloudy sky.

Red Diesel Prices UK

Dec 9, 2025

Red Diesel remains the preferred fuel for agriculture and other approved sectors. Prices are stable, with the current average price around 68ppl. However, this figure can vary depending on location, delivery size and market conditions, so it should only be used as a...

Green fuel delivery vehicle from Compass navigating a snowy garden path surrounded by hedges.

Heating Oil Prices UK

Dec 9, 2025

Heating oil prices in the UK have remained competitive throughout the colder months. Most homes and businesses are seeing prices within an average range of 61ppl to 71ppl, although the exact cost can change daily based on supply, demand and delivery location. Because...

Fuel Monitor Payment Plan

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.