Since 2009 all Australian diesel is the 'ultra-low sulphur' kind, which means the fuel has only 10 parts-per-million (PPM) sulphur content. Ultra-low sulphur fuel means we can run cleaner and more efficient fuels, but the trade-off is the fuel has lower lubricity.
But when it comes to diesel vehicles, there are often just one or two choices at most fuel stations that are suitable for your vehicle. If you're impatient and just want the short version, there's only one grade of diesel base fuel sold in Australia, so it generally doesn't matter what pump you go to.
Premium diesel burns quicker and more efficiently, giving you both higher performance and a cleaner engine.
Otherwise known as Ultra-Premium by some brands, 98 is the highest-octane fuel currently available in Australia. Unleaded 98 provides higher engine power and overall performance in comparison to 91 and 95. It is also responsible for less pollution, according to providers.
A premium diesel has a higher cetane number, better lubricity and includes detergents that provide injector-cleaning capability versus standard #2 diesel. Cetane measures a fuel's ignition delay. Higher cetane equals a shorter delay and better ignition quality for quicker start-ups and less pollution.
The main way to measure fuel quality is by determining its cetane number, which highlights the speed and efficiency of combustion. Other tests measure stability and contamination levels, which also affect how well it functions.
The difference is premium diesel has a detergent additive to keep your engine clean and in it's best operating condition.
Since 2009 all Australian diesel is the 'ultra-low sulphur' kind, which means the fuel has only 10 parts-per-million (PPM) sulphur content.
It's a lot about additives. I rate BP Ultimate diesel as best all-round for fuel economy as well as fuel system treatment. Shell V-Power diesel has the best lubricity for the fuel injection pump but does not achieve quite the same economy.
The major difference between diesel fuel and premium diesel is, depending on the brand, a few additives designed to keep the inside of the engine clean. Is premium diesel a guarantee or promise that your diesel-powered vehicle will run better, emit fewer tailpipe emissions or use less fuel?
#1 fuel is preferred for cold weather as it has a lower viscosity. It used to be standard to see the fuel # on the pump, but a lot of gas stations do not state the fuel number anymore. Another important factor is the rating of Cetane in the diesel fuel.
It's really up to you. If you're more comfortable paying extra for a branded fuel, fill up with branded diesel. If you would rather shop price, you'll be ok too because unbranded diesel is safe for your truck too.
Is premium diesel better quality with a higher cetane rating, then? No. It's the same as regular Joe diesel, but with a different additives package being the differentiator. Otherwise, it sticks to the same ultra-low sulphur rules and standards as regular old diesel.
Diesel is traded internationally and the largest trading centre in our region is Singapore. This is the reason why Australian retail prices are linked to the Gasoil price of refined diesel in Singapore. Movements in the Gasoil price are influenced by the international price of the crude oil from which it is made.
Australia is almost entirely reliant on overseas imports for its fuel. Although we do produce some crude oil here, around 350 barrels a day at last count, much of this is exported. Around 90% of what Australian refineries use to convert crude oil into petrol, diesel, LPG and other fuels is imported.
It's worth saying that using premium diesel occasionally won't hurt your engine, and may give you peace of mind over its condition. However, using premium diesel all the time is most likely a waste of money for most people.
Premium diesel is only really worthwhile if a vehicle has had the chance to accumulate sediments within the engine. If not, then you probably won't notice too much of a difference when using premium diesel and it's considerably more expensive at the pump.
bp Ultimate Diesel is our most advanced performance diesel fuel with an innovative formulation that cleans away the harmful dirt in your engine and helps stop it coming back. You can't get top performance if your engine isn't clean – that's why we recommend bp Ultimate Diesel for your daily drive.
The fuel you find in supermarkets has the same regulations as premium sellers. And they're held to the same quality and safety standards. So, although it's cheaper, you can be reassured that you aren't purchasing a harmful or unsafe product.
Transport is the third largest source of emissions in Australia, behind electricity and the stationary energy sector, and it is the fastest growing. Our road-vehicle fleet is one of the emissions-intensive in the world (and our aviation emissions are, per capita, the world's highest).
The International Fuel Quality Center (IFQC) has ranked the top 100 countries based on sulfur limits in gasoline; Germany was found to be at the top of the ranking with the lowest sulfur limits. Following in second and third were Japan and Sweden, respectively.
While Australia remains one of the cheapest OECD nations for regular unleaded petrol, the quality (or sulphur content) of the fuel is ranked 85th when compared to all nations.
Through regular use it can protect your engine and provide up to 100% power restoration*. In addition, its powerful cleaning agent and rust inhibitor, Amplify Premium Diesel also features a specially added foam inhibitor to provide a cleaner and faster fill.
Most diesel is sold in bulk to commercial/industrial customers (eg. mining and transport companies) on long term contract. ⇒ In the Australian retail market, there is very little diesel sold to private customers. ⇒ Hence retail diesel prices, unlike petrol prices, are not subject to aggressive price discounting.
Our premium fuels – bp Ultimate Unleaded and bp Ultimate Diesel - contain ACTIVE technology, our advanced, innovative engine cleaning formula which is specially designed to remove harmful engine dirt and protect against its build up.