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Diesel fuel is refined from oil

Diesel fuel tanker truck
Diesel Fuel Tanker Truck

Source: Stock photography (copyrighted)


Diesel fuel is a type of distillate fuel. On average, about 12 to 13 gallons of distillate are produced from each 42-gallon barrel of crude oil in U.S. refineries.

Before 2015, diesel fuel sold in the United States contained high quantities of sulfur. Sulfur in diesel fuel produces air pollution emissions that are harmful to human health. In 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued requirements for the reduction of the sulfur content of diesel fuel. The requirements phased in over time, beginning with diesel fuel sold for vehicles used on roadways and eventually covering all diesel fuel. All diesel fuel now sold in the United States must have a sulfur content of no more than 15 parts per million.

Last reviewed: October 8, 2015

What is diesel fuel?



Nearly all semi-trailer trucks, delivery vehicles, buses, trains, ships, boats, and barges have diesel engines. Farm vehicles, construction vehicles, and military vehicles and equipment also have diesel engines. Some diesel fuel is also used for electricity generation. In 2015, distillate fuel oil accounted for about 21% of total petroleum consumption by the transportation sector.

Most diesel fuel is made from crude oil

Diesel fuel is refined from crude oil at petroleum refineries. Diesel fuel and heating oil are distillate fuels. This difference has decreased over time as some states in the Northeast are phasing in ultra-low sulfur content standards for heating oil that are already in effect for diesel fuel. An average of about 12 to 13 gallons of diesel fuel are produced from each 42-gallon (U.S.) barrel of crude oil that U.S. refineries process.

Diesel fuel may contain biodiesel

One of the fuels that Rudolf Diesel originally considered for his engine was vegetable seed oil, an idea that eventually contributed to biodiesel production. Blends of up to 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel (B20) can generally be used in unmodified diesel engines.

Last updated: August 30, 2016