Lower sulpher diesel
Lower sulphur diesel is cleaner, safer and allows new vehicle technologies to be used.
Many new vehicles emissions technologies require lower sulphur diesel in order to operate. These new technologies will help to reduce several harmful emissions and increase engine efficiency.
Diesel currently has large amounts of sulphur in it. That sulphur, when used in a diesel vehicle, produces sulphur oxides and particulates. Both sulphur oxides and particulates have been linked to several health problems, especially respiratory problems.
The Petroleum Products Specifications Regulations 2002 will require oil distributors to provide this new cleaner, safer fuel from August 2004.
Most diesel consumers will not notice any change in the operation of their engine. But, when lower sulphur diesel is first introduced in August 2004,there may be a temporary increase in fuel injection pump seal failures for some vehicles (most likely pre-1995 Japanese or Korean light diesel vehicles). Diesel owners should: Check for signs of a seal failure and have seals replaced if a failure occurs, Establish or maintain a routine maintenance program.
Owners of some kinds of vehicles may wish to replace fuel injection pump seals at their next service
When will this happen?
The timetable below shows when sulphur levels will have to be lowered. In practice, diesel with reduced sulphur levels may be supplied several months in advance to ensure all diesel is compliant by the required date.
| August 2004 |
500ppm |
| January 2006 |
50ppm |
| By 2009-2010 |
10-15ppm |
The final shift to sulphur levels of 10-15 ppm hasn’t been put into regulation yet but is intended. The timing of this final shift will be reviewed in 2005.