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IMMEDIATE Gas Oil Specification Changes
9th November 2010

Due to changes in government legislation from 1 January 2011, non-road mobile machinery (i.e. ‘off road equipment’) which uses Gas Oil will be required to use a new ‘sulphur free’ Gas Oil specification. The definition of non-road moving machinery (NRMM) includes tractors and other agricultural equipment, construction equipment, portable generators and inland waterway vessels.

Many oil producers will achieve the reduction of sulphur content by using Road Diesel, which is already ‘sulphur free’, to make their Gas Oil. Road Diesel however currently contains up to 7% biodiesel, which means the new ‘sulphur free’ Gas Oil we supply will also contain up to 7% biodiesel.

Biodiesel presents several significant issues for storage and usage which you need to be aware of. If appropriate action is not taken, these can result in leaks, blockages, damage to equipment and/or bacterial contamination. These issues are best explained by the Department for Transport’s own publication ‘Fuel Quality Directive Gas Oil Requirements’ (download PDF).

We have recently been informed that with immediate effect the Gas Oil supplied to us will be the ‘sulphur free’ type. It is essential that you read the guidance on ‘sulphur free’ Gas Oil and biodiesel and take appropriate responsive steps. Any Gas Oil you receive from us on or after 22nd November 2010 will potentially be the ‘sulphur free’ Gas Oil with biodiesel content.

We are truly sorry for the short notice on this issue. There has been much confusion and uncertainty surrounding the specification change and we have not had enough information to begin contacting customers until now. Unfortunately full information has only become available with the early introduction of the ‘sulphur free’ product this month.

Simon Roy Toole

—Operations Director

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