The Most Common Uses For Kerosene

Kerosene is an incredible fuel with a long history. Humans have used kerosene for hundreds of years, and the first written account of its production dates back to a famous poet and scholar, Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi, who lived in Ancient Persia in the 9th and 10th centuries. The world uses 1.2 million barrels of kerosene every day, amounting to 54 million gallons, or 246 million litres. But what are we using it for? Kerosene is amazingly versatile, and applicable to a range of uses. Check out a few of the most common uses below.

Jet Fuel

Kerosene has been adopted for use in jet engines and as rocket fuel in recent years. Kerosene-based jet fuel has a number of benefits compared to other options. For example, kerosene has an incredibly low freezing point of -47oc, making it perfect for use in aircraft, which operate in sub-zero temperatures. Kerosene also has a low viscosity, meaning it won’t thicken and clog up the engine, and it is incredibly flammable but with a low vapour level, creating the perfect balance of power generated and low explosion risk.

Heating Oil

Large or industrial heaters which use kerosene are increasingly rare, but domestic kerosene heaters are still quite commonplace, especially in areas where blackouts or intense weather phenomena are common. Kerosene heaters require no electricity to run and can be very efficient heaters, though some grades of kerosene can produce more harmful fumes in the home than other, cleaner grades.

Entertainment Shows

Most people wouldn’t guess this as one of the major uses of kerosene, but kerosene is very popular in the entertainment industry. For many of the reasons listed above; the low viscosity, the lack of flammable vapour produced, and its high flammability with low explosiveness; kerosene is often used in fire-based entertainment shows. Tools like fire poi (wick balls on short chains that can be set alight and swung through the air), fire batons, and fire juggling clubs are all soaked in kerosene to provide those incredible fire shows. Other performances like fire breathing also use kerosene.

If you are in need of a delivery of kerosene, then have a look at what we offer here at Compass Fuels Ltd.

Is Red Diesel Better than Green Diesel?

Is Red Diesel Better than Green Diesel?

May 22, 2025

If you’ve ever heard about red diesel or green diesel, you might be wondering what the difference is and which one is better. Maybe you’ve seen big trucks or farm equipment running on red diesel or heard about eco-friendly green diesel. But what do these…

        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.