What the changes to red diesel legislation mean in the long term

Published: 1 April 2022

By: Russell Rhodes, Business Development Manager

1 April has been and gone, and red diesel has been banned from use in certain sectors. However, this wasn’t a standalone event. It is part of a much bigger picture as it is one of the first deadlines in the decarbonisation plan by the Government to ensure the UK achieves Net-Zero by 2050.

Fuel sampling and polishing

If you are continuing to use permitted red diesel bought prior to 10 June 2021, you should consider prioritising having this sampled and polished to ensure it is effective when you come to rely on it.

Tank inspection and clean

At the time of switching your fuel, you may have had a tank inspection and clean to check the integrity of your tank.

If this brought up any issues, then you may have been advised to re-line your tank to extend the life of your asset.

Additional security

Due to the higher value nature of the assets following the switch, there could be a higher risk of theft and attempted theft.

Remote monitoring telemetry systems as well as security measures such as CCTV will help you manage the security of your new higher value assets.

Theft can also inadvertently cause a spill of product, which can incur potential remediation, regulatory, legal, and reputational costs, as well as potential downtime to your operation.

A recommended course of action would be to secure a spill response contract to ensure a spill can quickly and effectively be remediated.

Responsibility and sustainability

The change to red diesel legislation is a first step on the journey towards decarbonisation and ultimately the 2050 Net-Zero goal.

Responsible and sustainable companies are taking action to ensure they play their part in the collective goal by changing their entire fleet to electric vehicles.

Companies are beginning their journey to Net-Zero with energy and fleet audits to understand the impact of changing from white diesel to a cleaner alternative.

Through improved data capture and operating practices, combined with investment in new and emerging technologies, a business can significantly reduce its energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Ensuring compliance beyond April 2022

Your approach to red diesel replenishment could shape your infrastructure’s resilience, reliability, and performance for the long term – as well as positioning you as a leading organisation in the race to Net-Zero.