Red Diesel

Red Diesel Supplier in Wiltshire & Gloucestershire

Kinch Fuels supplies and delivers red diesel (gas oil) across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties. We're a family-run fuel supplier with over 50 years in the business, and we deliver to farms, estates and commercial sites throughout the region. If you need a reliable red diesel supply at a fair price, please contact us on 01666 862 100 or simply use the order form.

What Is Red Diesel?

Red diesel is a rebated fuel that is chemically identical to standard road diesel (DERV). It is dyed red using a marker called Solvent Red 164, which allows HMRC inspectors to identify it during roadside checks and tank inspections.

Because it carries a lower rate of fuel duty, red diesel is significantly cheaper per litre than white diesel. That reduced duty rate exists because the fuel is restricted to off-road and non-road use only. Using red diesel in a road-going vehicle is illegal and carries heavy fines.

You may also hear red diesel referred to as gas oil, 35-second oil, tractor diesel, farm diesel, cherry diesel, marked gas oil or Class A2 gas oil. These all refer to the same product.

Who Can Use Red Diesel?

Since April 2022, the UK government has restricted who can legally buy and use red diesel. The following sectors and purposes still qualify:

• Agriculture, horticulture, fish farming and forestry - including tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps and grain dryers
• Rail transport - powering passenger, freight and maintenance vehicles on rail tracks
• Heating and electricity generation for non-commercial premises, including schools and hospitals
• Community amateur sports clubs and golf courses
• Marine vessels - all UK marine craft except private pleasure boats in Northern Ireland
• Travelling fairs and circuses - for machinery and rides

If your business previously used red diesel for construction, manufacturing, logistics or commercial heating, you lost entitlement in April 2022 and must now use white diesel or an alternative such as HVO fuel.

Not sure whether you qualify? Give us a call and we'll help you check.

Red Diesel Delivery Across Wiltshire & Gloucestershire

We deliver red diesel from our depot in Minety, near Malmesbury, to sites across both counties and into neighbouring areas including Oxfordshire, Somerset and Hampshire. Our regular delivery areas include:

• Swindon, Devizes, Marlborough, Trowbridge, Melksham and Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire
• Cirencester, Lechlade, Chipping Sodbury and Wootton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire
• Burford and Oxford in Oxfordshire

We carry red diesel in a range of quantities. Whether you need a top-up for a single piece of machinery or a bulk delivery for the harvest season, we can usually get fuel to you within a few working days. For urgent requirements, call us directly and we'll do our best to arrange a same-day or next-day delivery.

What Affects the Price of Red Diesel?

Red diesel prices change regularly. The main factors that affect what you pay are:

• Global crude oil prices - Red diesel is refined from crude oil, so international supply and demand directly affect the cost. When oil markets tighten due to geopolitical events or production cuts, red diesel prices rise with them.
• Fuel duty - The UK government sets the rebated duty rate on red diesel. Changes to this rate, while infrequent, directly affect the price per litre. The rebated rate is significantly lower than standard road fuel duty, which is why red diesel remains cheaper than white diesel.
• Order volume - Buying in bulk almost always brings the per-litre cost down. If you have adequate storage on site, consolidating your orders into fewer, larger deliveries is one of the simplest ways to reduce your fuel spend.
• Delivery location - How far your site is from our depot affects the delivery cost component. Sites closer to our Minety base typically get the best rates.
• Seasonal demand - Demand for fuel rises during harvest season and over winter, which can push prices up. Ordering ahead of peak periods helps you avoid paying premium rates.

We aim to keep our prices competitive. Call us for today's red diesel price and a delivery quote for your area.

Red Diesel vs White Diesel

Red diesel and white diesel are the same fuel in chemical terms. They perform identically in any diesel engine. The differences are legal and financial:

• Red diesel contains a red dye (Solvent Red 164) so HMRC inspectors can identify it. White diesel is undyed.
• Red diesel carries a lower fuel duty rate, making it cheaper per litre. White diesel is taxed at the full road fuel duty rate.
• Red diesel is restricted to qualifying off-road uses. White diesel can be used in any vehicle, on or off road.

If you put red diesel in a road vehicle, the dye stains the fuel system and is detectable long after the fuel has been used. HMRC penalties for misuse include fines and the potential seizure of the vehicle.

We supply both red diesel and ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) from the same depot. If you need white diesel for your road fleet alongside red diesel for your off-road machinery, we can deliver both on the same run.

How to Store Red Diesel Safely

Red diesel is classified as a hazardous substance, so how you store it matters - both legally and practically. The rules depend on quantity:

• Up to 10 litres - a suitable plastic container is sufficient
• Up to 20 litres - must be stored in a metal container
• Up to 30 litres - a demountable fuel tank is required
• 30 to 275 litres - you must notify your local Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA) in writing
• 275 to 35,000 litres - you need a petroleum storage certificate and licence, valid for three years

For quantities over 200 litres stored at a business location, you must also comply with the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001. This means using a tank with secondary containment (bunding), keeping it away from drains and watercourses, and maintaining it against leaks.

You are responsible for any pollution or spills from your storage, so regular tank inspections are worth the effort.

Why Order Red Diesel From Kinch Fuels?

Kinch Fuels are red diesel suppliers that have over 50 years of experience in the industry and always have our finger on the pulse with new legislation and guidelines. Based in Wiltshire we supply and deliver a wide range of fuels across the surrounding areas for new and existing customers alike. Our renowned customer service, quality of fuel and efficient delivery mean that you won’t be disappointed. Open six days a week, we’re a trusted local supplier that offers excellent red diesel prices and are there for you when you need us. If you’re thinking ‘I need red diesel near me’ then look no further than Kinch Fuels.

FAQs

A staple for farmers and the agriculture industry, there are many questions surrounding red diesel, how to use it and where to buy it. Here are some of the questions we frequently get asked at Kinch Fuels to give you some guidance.

Can you use red diesel for heating oil? 

Red diesel can still be used to heat domestic (non-commercial) properties, including boilers and dryers in private homes. However, since April 2022 it is no longer permitted for commercial or industrial heating. If you used red diesel for commercial heating before that date, industrial heating oil (IHO) or standard kerosene are the alternatives. We supply both domestic heating oil and premium kerosene - call us to discuss which suits your setup.

Where can I buy red diesel

If you're based in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, or the surrounding areas (including parts of Oxfordshire, Somerset and Hampshire), Kinch Fuels can deliver red diesel direct to your site. We're based in Minety near Malmesbury and deliver across the region. Call 01666 862 100 to place an order or get a quote.

How much does red diesel cost?

Red diesel prices change daily with wholesale fuel markets. The price you pay per litre depends on your order volume, delivery location and the current wholesale rate. Because red diesel carries a lower fuel duty than standard road diesel, it is significantly cheaper per litre - though the exact saving depends on the duty rate set by the government at the time. For today's price for your area, call us on 01666 862 100.

What is the difference between red diesel and white diesel?

They are the same fuel chemically. Red diesel contains a red dye so HMRC can identify it, and it carries a lower fuel duty rate because it is restricted to off-road use. White diesel is the standard road fuel taxed at the full rate. You cannot legally use red diesel in a vehicle that drives on public roads.

What are the penalties for using red diesel illegally? 

HMRC carries out roadside checks and tank inspections. If red diesel is found in a road vehicle, you can face a fine and be required to pay the full duty on all the fuel in the tank. In serious or repeat cases, the vehicle can be seized. The red dye stains the fuel system, so it remains detectable even after the tank has been refilled with white diesel.

How much red diesel can I store?

You can store up to 30 litres in approved containers without a licence. Between 30 and 275 litres, you need to notify your local Petroleum Enforcement Authority. Above 275 litres, you need a petroleum storage certificate. For business sites storing over 200 litres, the Oil Storage Regulations (England) 2001 require bunded tanks and environmental compliance. We can advise on storage if you're unsure - just ask when you place your order.

Order Your Red Diesel Today

Call Kinch Fuels on 01666 862 100 to get a quote for red diesel delivery to your site. You can also use the order form on our website. We deliver across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas - and we're happy to talk through quantities, pricing and storage if you need guidance.