Paraffin vs Kerosene

If you’re in the fuel industry, or one of the many industries dealing with industrial fuels, you’ve probably come across the terms “paraffin” and “kerosene”, perhaps even interchangeably. That’s because there is a lot of cross over between these two terms, and it even varies by country! To help cut through the confusion, we’ve thrown together this quick guide on paraffin, kerosene, and what the difference is between the two. If you’ve found yourself confused by the lax usage of these names, then look no further!

Paraffin

The term “paraffins” in chemistry refers to saturated compounds which adhere to the formula CnH2n+2 (n = number of carbon atoms), which are also sometimes known as “alkanes”. These compounds are a significant component of hydrocarbon fuels like petroleum and natural gas, leading to the name being carried over.

Paraffin is a catch-all name for a range of fuel products. Paraffin is available as a liquid fuel, but also as a paraffin wax and petroleum jelly. In these forms, paraffin can also be used as a machine lubricant, hydraulic fluid, or as a coolant. Paraffin has been known to have a particularly pungent odour, but refined paraffin is available with additives that help reduce its smell, for indoor use.

Kerosene

Kerosene, also known as home heating oil, 28-second oil, and lamp oil, is a specific type of paraffin. This is paraffin in its liquid fuel form, and some countries like the United States, purely refer to this as paraffin. In general, the home heating oil can be referred to as kerosene or paraffin interchangeably.

Kerosene is popular for many industries, including aviation as a jet fuel, and the entertainment industry for pyrotechnics and fire-based shows. Premium kerosene had an additive that helps the fuel to burn cleaner and more efficiently.

What’s The Difference?

Paraffin is an umbrella term used to refer to range of paraffin products, from waxes to jellies, which can be used for a variety of applications. Kerosene is a specific type of paraffin, the liquid fuel form, which can be referred to be either name. So, kerosene is always paraffin, but paraffin isn’t always kerosene.

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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.