Can you still buy Red Diesel?

Red diesel, also known as gas oil or 35-second oil, is a type of fuel used for off-road vehicles and machinery. It is dyed red to indicate that it is not meant for use in on-road vehicles, and is therefore taxed at a lower rate. However, recent changes in regulations have caused confusion about the availability of red diesel. In this article, we will explore whether you can still buy red diesel and what the current regulations are.

What is Red Diesel?

Red diesel is a type of fuel that is used for off-road vehicles and machinery, such as tractors, generators, and construction equipment. It is essentially the same as regular diesel, but with a red dye added to it. This dye is used to differentiate it from regular diesel, which is taxed at a higher rate.

The lower tax rate for red diesel is due to the fact that it is not meant for use in on-road vehicles, which require a higher quality of fuel. Red diesel is also known as gas oil or 35-second oil, as it takes 35 seconds to pass through a standard fuel oil nozzle.

Is Red Diesel Still Available?

The short answer is yes, you can still buy red diesel. However, there have been recent changes in regulations that have caused confusion about its availability.

In March 2021, the UK government announced that it would be phasing out the use of red diesel for most sectors, with a few exceptions. This caused concern among industries that rely on red diesel, such as agriculture, construction, and transportation.

However, after backlash from these industries, the government clarified that red diesel would still be available for certain sectors, including agriculture, fishing, and rail. This means that these industries can continue to use red diesel without any changes.

What Are the Regulations for Red Diesel?

The regulations for red diesel vary depending on the sector in which it is being used. Here are the current regulations for the main industries that use red diesel:

Agriculture

Agricultural vehicles and machinery can continue to use red diesel without any changes. This includes tractors, combine harvesters, and other farm equipment.

However, there are some restrictions on the use of red diesel for heating purposes on farms. If the heating system is used for both domestic and non-domestic purposes, such as heating a farmhouse and a barn, then the red diesel must be replaced with regular diesel.

What Are the Penalties for Misusing Red Diesel?

As mentioned earlier, red diesel is dyed red to indicate that it is not meant for use in on-road vehicles. This is because using red diesel in on-road vehicles is considered tax evasion and is therefore illegal.

If you are caught using red diesel in an on-road vehicle, you could face penalties such as fines and even imprisonment. The penalties vary depending on the amount of red diesel used and the severity of the offense.

It is important to note that the responsibility for ensuring that red diesel is not used in on-road vehicles falls on the user, not the supplier. This means that if you are using red diesel for off-road purposes, you must take precautions to prevent it from being used in on-road vehicles.

How Can You Buy Red Diesel?

If you are in one of the industries that are allowed to use red diesel, you can still purchase it from fuel suppliers. However, you may need to provide proof that you are using it for off-road purposes.

Some suppliers may require you to sign a declaration stating that you will not use the red diesel in on-road vehicles. Others may require you to provide a VAT exemption certificate or other documentation to prove that you are eligible to use red diesel.

It is important to note that not all fuel stations will sell red diesel. You may need to find a specialised supplier or purchase it in bulk from a fuel distributor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can still buy red diesel, but there have been recent changes in regulations that have caused confusion about its availability. It is important to understand the regulations for your specific industry and to take precautions to prevent the misuse of red diesel.

If you are unsure about the regulations or have any questions about purchasing red diesel, it is best to consult with a fuel supplier or industry expert. By staying informed and following the regulations, you can continue to use red diesel for off-road purposes without any issues.

At Compass, we have been supplying farms and agricultural businesses with diesel and other fuels and lubricants for over 20 years. We supply tractor diesel to farmers all over the UK with same day / next day / weekend deliveries. Call us on 0330 128 9838.

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Domestic orders & heating oil, please visit www.easyoil.co.uk

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.