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Red Diesel Guide

Beesley Fuels has been supplying red and white diesel for over 50 years. In this guide we will take you through all your questions about red diesel, the changes to the law and whether you can use the rebated fuel in your business. Red diesel laws have been around since 1961, brought in to prevent on-road usage. However, in April 2022 red diesel regulations changed, so keeping on track with the rules surrounding red diesel will prevent legal troubles for you and your business.

If you have any questions on the usage of red diesel, call our fuel experts on 0330 123 1144 to answer any questions you have or to help you with a red diesel order.

What is red diesel?

Red diesel, also known as gas oil, is a type of rebated diesel fuel that has been purposely dyed to distinguish it from ordinary non-rebated diesel. The fuel is only permitted to be used in off-road vehicles, machinery, construction equipment and generators, and is taxed at a lower rate when compared to regular diesel, which is why it is a criminal offence to use it within normal road vehicles.

What is the difference between red diesel and white diesel?

There are two distinct differences between red and white diesel. Firstly, as the name suggests, red diesel contains a red dye whereas white diesel is a clear liquid that is more green/amber than white.

Secondly, the tax difference between the two makes red diesel a significantly cheaper product to use, though red diesel is only legally permitted to be used in off-road vehicles and machinery. Aside from these two factors, there is little difference between the two as the dye in the red diesel doesn’t change the fuel’s properties. However, it will stain the inside of tanks and the inner workings of machinery to allow law enforcement to identify any illegal use of red diesel within ineligible vehicles.

Do I need a licence to use red diesel?

There are lots of restrictions on the use of red diesel, but you do not need a specific licence to purchase your red diesel supply. However, you will be required to sign an RDCO form.

A company that is entitled to use red diesel must also be registered with HMRC, this is also the same when using other rebated fuel oils like kerosene, rebated bio blend and aviation turbine fuel.

What is the purpose of red diesel?

Red diesel is only allowed to be used in off-road vehicles and machinery. The red dye means it can be easily identifiable by authorities should they ask to check your fuel supply. This deters vehicle owners from using red diesel which is much cheaper than white road diesel.

Who can use red diesel?

As of April 1st 2022, the UK government removed the ability to use red diesel from several sectors. These businesses now have to use fuel that is taxed at the standard rate, known as road diesel, DERV and white diesel.

The restrictions on red diesel means that it can only be used in the following industries:

• Rail transport
• Community clubs such as amateur sports and golf courses
• Sailing, boating and marine transportation
• Fuel used for non-commercial purposes such as electricity and heat generating
• Agriculture, horticulture, fish farming and forestry

The change in eligibility is to encourage industries to switch to cleaner and more efficient fuels that have a smaller impact on the environment, such as HVO renewable diesel.

Is red diesel illegal?

No, red diesel isn’t illegal, though it is illegal to use it if you’re not permitted to do so (see above question).

Due to the restrictions around red diesel, you are only allowed to use it under certain conditions, most notably within off-road vehicles and machinery. The only vehicles that are allowed to use red diesel on our roads are those sectors listed above that are eligible to use the rebated fuel.

Where can I buy red diesel from?

You can buy red diesel from us here at Beesley Fuels. We supply quantities ranging from 205-litre barrels up to 36,000-litre deliveries in a large articulated tanker. If you need more fuel than this we can simply send more tankers! We deliver red diesel to businesses nationwide, and if you’re close you can come and collect red diesel from our depot in Oldbury, Birmingham.

Call 0330 123 1144 to speak to one of our experts and place an order. 

What other names are there for red diesel?

Red diesel goes by a variety of names, including:

• Rebated fuel
• 35 – second oil
• Medium diesel
• Tractor diesel
• Marine diesel
• Generator diesel
• Gas oil
• BS 2869
• Cherry red

Can I have red diesel delivered?

Yes, we deliver our red diesel fuel to businesses all over the nation and we can supply it to you within 24-48 hours, or sooner if you place an order via our emergency delivery service!

Red diesel pricing

Red diesel prices change daily due to supply and demand amongst other reasons, including crude oil supply, global unrest and time of year. Beesley Fuels can supply red diesel across the UK at competitive prices, along with fast, reliable delivery within 24-48 hours of order. If you’d like to see the latest price for red diesel you can check the price daily.

Buying red diesel from Beesley Fuels

We provide the most up-to-date red diesel price per litre and will always quote both a litre and gallon price (approximately 4.54 litres) for your convenience. All you need to do is fill in our form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you have more questions on our red diesel you can call our team on 0330 123 1144 for expert advice.

Which vehicles can use red diesel?

Any diesel-powered vehicle can run using red diesel, though you should remember that using red diesel on a road vehicle is a crime and you’ll be charged to restore your vehicle’s tank to remove any dyed diesel. You will also be fined for using red diesel illegally and the vehicle could be detained.

Red diesel eligibility since April 2022

Due to the UK law changes to the usability of red diesel we’ve gathered together your most asked questions about the changes in red diesel eligibility within the UK to help you avoid any potential penalties.

Which businesses have been affected by the law changes?

There are several sectors that are now unable to use red diesel, including:

• Construction and road maintenance
• Logistics and haulage
• Mining
• Waste management
• Oil and gas extraction
• Leisure
• Airport operations
• Manufacturing

If your business sector isn’t included in this list, or you are unsure of whether you’re legally allowed to use red diesel then you can get in touch with one of our team on 0330 123 1144. For further advice, we recommend checking the government’s guidance on red diesel users.

If you’re unable to use red diesel due to the changes made by the government then you can look at a cleaner burning fuel such as HVO.

Can red diesel be used as heating oil for businesses?

As of April 2022, businesses are no longer allowed to use red diesel to heat their buildings, though red diesel for heating non-commercial premises such as places of worship, hospitals and town halls are still permitted. We recommend that our customers switch to industrial heating oil as a rebated fuel for heating their businesses.

I stockpiled red diesel before April 2022, can I use that up?

No, as of April 2022, it is against the law to use red diesel unless you meet the specific industry sectors as set by the UK government.

What is the fine for using red diesel illegally?

There is no fixed fine for the illegal use of red diesel; instead, HMRC will charge you to restore your vehicle by removing and cleaning any filters to remove the red dye. Your vehicle may even be seized or you could be charged the difference in duty between red diesel and white diesel over the time you have used it illegally.

Why has the tax on red diesel changed?

The changes to the use of red diesel for specific industry sectors form part of the UK’s effort to be net zero by 2050. As red diesel accounts for such a vast amount of the emissions generated by the UK, reducing the amount of sectors that are allowed to use diesel will help to reduce overall emissions.

If you haven’t had your red question answered then check out our red diesel FAQs where we answer all of your red diesel questions.

Still unsure if you’re eligible to order red diesel?

If you still meet the strict requirements for usage set out by HMRC or if you’re still unsure about your eligibility for using red diesel. You’re not alone, as many people were left unsure whether they were able to use red diesel or not after the changes were made. The easiest way to find out is to contact HMRC directly, or alternatively, our red diesel experts will be happy to offer any advice and answer your questions about red diesel or any alternatives that you may be able to use instead.

If you have further questions on red diesel or any of our fuels or would like to discuss your fuel requirements. Give our fuel experts a call today on 0330 123 1144 to learn more and discuss your requirements.