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What is Diesel Fuel?

Written on: November 21, 2022

Partner with Kimlin Energy for your business’s diesel fuel needs!

diesel delivery new york Many businesses in the Hudson Valley depend on diesel fuel to power their vehicles and equipment, including:

Though they utilize diesel fuel in various ways, all businesses need a dependable diesel delivery company they can put their trust into. For plenty of those businesses, that company is Kimlin Energy!

Kimlin Energy not only delivers diesel to businesses and filling stations but also to schools and local municipalities. We have a large fleet of delivery vehicles that allows us to provide prompt and responsive service to our customers as well as quality fuel at a competitive price!

If you are new to diesel fuels, we have put together some basic information about diesel and how it’s used.

How are diesel fuels made?

In the United States, most diesel fuel is distilled from crude oil at petroleum refineries and is ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), which has 15 parts per million (PPM) or less of sulfur.

The U.S. produced 1.63 billion barrels (68.35 billion gallons) of ULSD in 2021.
Rudolf Diesel invented the compression ignition engine in the 19th century. His invention was revolutionary for its superior thermal efficiency. Diesel fuel derived its name from him.

Are on-road diesel and off-road diesel different from each other?

On-road and off-road diesel differ only in how they are used; there are no chemical differences.

Diesel that is used for vehicles driven on public roads, like trucks, buses, and shuttles, is classified as on-road diesel. Therefore, the federal excise tax applies to it.

Off-road diesel is a type of fuel used in non-transportation equipment, like agricultural vehicles, backhoes, and bulldozers. Since off-road diesel is not used for transportation purposes, it does not have an excise tax.

While on-road diesel is not dyed, off-road diesel is infused with a red dye to prevent it from being used for on-road vehicles. By doing this, it prevents drivers from trying to avoid the excise tax. Penalties for using off-road diesel for on-road use include steep fines for each offense. In New York, the penalty is $10 per gallon or $1,000 per violation.

How is diesel fuel used?

Diesel fuel isn’t just for big transport trucks; it has plenty of other purposes.

In the event of a power outage, diesel-powered standby generators provide backup electricity to keep lights on and running medical equipment operational in many area hospitals, health care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutions.

Government agencies utilize diesel to power school buses, snowplows and road maintenance vehicles and equipment.

Agriculture is a major industry in the Hudson Valley, led by dairy farms, apple orchards, and vineyards. More than 15% of the land here is farmland. Diesel tractors and other equipment are vital for our local farms. They use it to help with planting and harvesting operations, as well as bring their goods to market.

Kimlin Energy is the Hudson Valley’s leader for reliable diesel fuel services. Contact us today to set up a consultation.