Red Diesel (Gas Oil) Supply Across the UK
Power your off-road machinery and operations with cost-effective, HMRC-compliant red diesel (gas oil) from Certas Energy. Benefit from competitive pricing, expert advice on regulations, and delivery services tailored to your needs.
Enquire NowWhat is Red Diesel (Gas Oil)?
Red diesel, also known as gas oil, 35-second oil, or rebated diesel, is chemically identical to regular (white) road diesel. However, it contains a red dye and chemical markers, signifying that it’s taxed at a lower rate for eligible off-road applications.
Due to its rebated duty, red diesel offers a cost-effective fuel solution for industries such as agriculture, rail, and construction. Its use is strictly regulated by HMRC. Only specific industries and applications now qualify for red diesel use. Using red diesel in standard road vehicles or for non-approved purposes is illegal and can result in substantial fines or even vehicle seizure.
Understanding HMRC guidance on red diesel
In April 2022, HMRC introduced tighter restrictions on which industries can use red diesel.
View HMRC’s guidance on red dieselWhy Choose Certas Energy for Your Red Diesel Needs?
At Certas Energy, we supply high-quality red diesel with reliable nationwide delivery, ensuring your business stays powered when it matters most.
With a vast network of over 150 depots and a fleet of 900 tankers, we provide bulk red diesel supply and expert guidance to keep your operations running efficiently.
Choosing Certas Energy means peace of mind!
Nationwide Delivery Network
Decades of Expertise
Dedicated Account Support
Flexible Delivery Options
Commitment to Compliance and Safety
Certas Energy’s Accreditations
The Benefits of Using Red Diesel for Your Business
At Certas Energy, we understand that businesses are seeking ways to optimise operations, reduce costs, and maintain compliance. For eligible sectors, red diesel offers a distinct set of advantages that can impact your bottom line and operational efficiency. Choosing red diesel can significantly benefit eligible sectors in many ways, including:
Reduced Operating Costs
Reliable Performance
Vital Across Industries
Flexible Supply Options
Nationwide Reach
DERV vs Red Diesel
One of our most asked questions is the difference between DERV and red diesel. DERV is a fully taxed, diesel fuel legal for on-road vehicles, while red diesel is lower taxed and is restricted solely to off-road vehicles. Take a look at the table below to see the common differences between DERV and red diesel:
DERV – (White) Diesel
Definition
A fully taxed diesel fuel used in on-road vehicles.
Usage
Used in cars, vans, lorries, buses, and many other vehicles suitable for roads.
Colour & Taxation
Clear in colour (white) and subject to full road fuel duty.
Sulphur content
Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD), with <10 ppm sulphur.
Legality for road use
Fully legal for all road going vehicles.
Environmental impact
Cleaner burning and lower emissions compared to other diesel types.
Red Diesel
Definition
A rebated diesel fuel for vehicles that are off-road.
Usage
Used in agriculture, construction, marine and machinery.
Colour & Taxation
Dyed red to indicate reduced tax; illegal for on-road use.
Sulphur content
Also ULSD (<10 ppm sulphur), older variants had higher levels.
Legality for road use
Illegal for road vehicles; use can result in heavy penalties.
Environmental impact
Similar emissions to white diesel when modern ULSD is used.
Red Diesel Applications Across Key UK Industries
Red Diesel is vital across a range of essential UK sectors.
In the agricultural sector, red diesel is indispensable for running a wide variety of machinery and is essential to farming operations. With the cost savings from reduced fuel duty, farmers can operate vital equipment year-round while keeping overheads manageable. Certas Energy also offers flexible deliveries to align with seasonal peaks like harvest and sowing periods.
Rail Transport
The rail sector depends on red diesel for non-electrified routes and maintenance work, keeping the UK’s rail infrastructure moving. Rail companies trust Certas Energy for the consistent quality and compliant supply of red diesel needed to meet strict operational and safety standards.
Red diesel is vital for powering many commercial marine vessels operating around the UK’s coastline and inland waterways. Marine operations often run 24/7 and demand reliable fuel deliveries. Certas Energy’s specialist marine fuel solutions ensure acompliant red diesel supply, even at less accessible ports and harbours.
Heating Oils
Heating for non-commercial boilers for schools, hospitals, and churches. In rural and remote areas not connected to the gas grid, red diesel plays a crucial role in heating buildings cost-effectively. Certas Energy supports many institutions with tailored delivery schedules and competitive pricing to ensure essential services.
Understanding Red Diesel Prices
Red diesel pricing fluctuates daily based on:
- Global Oil Markets
- Delivery Location
- Order Volume
- Urgency of Delivery
For today’s most competitive rates, get a personalised quote tailored to your business needs.
Considering an alternative to red diesel?
Certas Energy is a leading supplier of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) Renewable Diesel. HVO is a drop-in alternative fuel that can significantly reduce net CO2 emissions without requiring engine modifications.
Red Diesel FAQs
Who can legally use red diesel in the UK?
Since April 2022, eligibility is restricted mainly to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fish farming, rail transport, non-commercial heating, travelling fairs/circuses, amateur sports clubs, and some marine uses. Always check the latest HMRC guidance or contact us if unsure.
What are the penalties for using red diesel illegally?
HMRC can issue significant fines, demand back-payment of the duty difference between red and white diesel, and may seize the vehicle or machinery involved. It’s crucial to ensure compliance.
How do I switch from white diesel to red diesel (if eligible)?
If eligible, simply start ordering red diesel for your qualifying equipment. Ensure tanks used previously for white diesel are clearly marked for red diesel use if necessary, though cross-contamination is not typically an issue performance-wise, the key is ensuring the use is permitted.
How long can I store red diesel safely?
Red diesel can typically be stored for up to 6 months under good conditions (clean, sealed tank, minimal water ingress). Using fuel monitoring and regular tank checks helps maintain quality.
Can I buy red diesel in small quantities?
Yes, Certas Energy offers various supply options, including 205-litre barrels and smaller deliveries, alongside bulk tanker supplies. Minimum order quantities may apply, contact us for details.
Is red diesel the same as heating oil?
Red diesel (gas oil) is often used for heating, particularly in commercial/non-commercial settings. Check your boiler’s requirements, gas oil is sometimes called ’35-second oil’ when talked about for heating purposes.
Is red diesel banned in the UK?
No, red diesel is not banned, but its use has been significantly restricted to specific eligible sectors since April 2022.
Can I use red diesel in my tractor?
Yes, if the tractor is used for qualifying purposes within agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or fish farming as defined by HMRC. Using it for non-qualifying work (e.g., general haulage) is illegal.
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Ready to Secure Your Red Diesel Supply?
Partner with Certas Energy for reliable, HMRC-compliant, and cost-effective red diesel delivered nationwide. Our expert team is ready to support your business’s fuel needs.
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