DERV/ DIESEL
POWERING HAULAGE, HGVs AND PASSENGER VEHICLES
We deliver DERV (road diesel) in bulk throughout Scotland.
What is DERV?
Diesel Engine Road Vehicle (DERV, White Diesel) is a liquid fuel product powering road vehicles. The fuel is also known as white diesel or road diesel.
It can be used in any diesel-powered engine but is more commonly used in businesses that rely on their vehicle fleets or need to transport passengers and goods over both long and short distances. However, unlike other industry fuels, a government duty tax applies to DERV fuel.
Diesel Engine Road Vehicle has properties similar to other diesel fuels, such as Gas Oil (Red Diesel), so it is essential to understand the tax rate rules and differences when comparing your oil choice.
For example, Red Diesel is a rebated fuel with a much lower tax rate, on the other hand, government duty tax applies here. Please note that it is illegal to use Red Diesel in road vehicles.
Diesel Engine Road Vehicle Has A Variety of Names It Can Be Called
All of the below fuels are the same, but DERV is the most formal name.
Diesel
Road Diesel
Road DERV
White Diesel
How Much is DERV?
The price of Diesel changes daily due to the influence of the global oil market. As a result, we can’t publish fixed prices online.
However, other variables can impact prices. The customer’s quantity and location can affect the price, so it’s always best to speak to a reputable supplier who can check the current price.
Where Can I Buy it?
Are you looking for a Diesel? Oilfast has you covered. Our dedicated sales team can help you order your bulk DERV orders and find the best deal for you.
As Scotland’s fastest-growing fuel supplier, we use our expertise to ensure you can rely on each delivery every time.
Small Volume / Emergency Fuel Supply
We have a local reliable supply of DERV and HVO readily available to be delivered directly to your sites today by our sister brand Oilfast Express. A convenient fuel delivery service that brings the fuel directly to your site to fuel vehicles, equipment and machinery. This small-volume service provides businesses with fuel on-site, reducing the risk of fuel theft and securing a supply of fuels.
Fleetmaxx Fuel Cards
Unlock substantial savings of up to 10p per litre on diesel across 3,600+ pumps with Fleetmaxx Fleet Fuel Card. Powered by Fleetmaxx Solutions, this card offers a game-changing solution for consistent weekly fixed diesel pricing.
Red Diesel Duty Has Changed
DERV has similar properties to other diesel fuels, including red diesel. It’s important to understand the rules and differences in tax rates when choosing fuel. Red diesel is a type of discounted fuel with a lower tax rate of 5% for volumes below 2300 litres. For volumes exceeding 2300 litres, the tax rate increases to 20%. It’s worth noting that the rules for using red diesel have recently changed, leading to the loss of entitlement for many sectors after 1 April 2022.
Ready To Order?
Oilfast offers white diesel in bulk from 1,000 to 36,000+ litres at great prices. You can also get it in 45-gallon drums. Our DERV meets the BS EN590 specification and has summer and winter grades.
Winter-grade fuel is available from mid-November to mid-March. We can deliver within 24-48 hours.
Get in touch with our experts today!
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)
HVO renewable diesel is a direct replacement for red and white diesel, designed for use in on and off-road vehicles and machinery. Derived from certified sustainable raw materials, HVO immediately cuts up to 90% of net CO2 emissions, offering an ideal solution for meeting your business’ sustainability targets.
Frequently Asked Questions about Derv
What is DERV?
DERV is another name for white diesel, the same fuel used in cars, vans, trucks, trains, and HGVs across the UK. It’s a crude oil distillate and is used worldwide.
What does DERV stand for?
DERV stands for Diesel Engine Road Vehicle. The fuel industry often uses the name to differentiate white or road diesel from red diesel, a tax-rebated fuel reserved for off-road use.
Is white diesel also called DERV?
Two main types of diesel products are sold in the UK: DERV (Diesel Engine Road Vehicle) and gas oil (red diesel).
Gas oil is subject to a lower tax rate than DERV, so it can only be used in off-road vehicles, generators and heating applications.
DERV is taxed but isn’t subject to the same usage restrictions as gas oil. The fuel and oil industry regularly uses the name DERV to differentiate between the two fuels.
What colour is DERV?
DERV isn’t white, despite it sometimes being known as white diesel.
It’s amber/green in colour and will be clear and bright. Some countries mix dyes into DERV to better differentiate it from other fuels.
Are there different grades of DERV?
Yes, there are two different grades of DERV: summer and winter.
The critical difference between the two is that winter-grade diesel contains additives, making it better adapted to work in colder temperatures. Without these additives, DERV is prone to “waxing, ” where paraffin crystals form in the fuel and can cause serious issues.
What is DERV used for?
DERV is most commonly used as a road fuel to keep cars, vans and motor fleets moving. It’s currently the most widespread road fuel in use in the UK.
What other names is DERV known by?
DERV is known by several names, including:
White Diesel
Road diesel
Diesel
Forecourt diesel
Ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD)
Is red diesel and DERV the same?
DERV and red diesel are chemically the same product but they have different uses.
DERV is the most common diesel form and is widely available at forecourts and petrol stations across the UK. Users can drive in and top up their cars, vans or trucks, business users purchase their DERV in bulk and store it onsite to allow easy access.
Red diesel is the same fuel but blended with a red dye to mark it out as for off-road use only. It’s illegal to use red diesel on the roads.
Does DERV contain FAME?
Yes, DERV contains a percentage of FAME content.
Changes to the RTFO (Road Transport Fuel Obligations) in 2019 increased the percentage of biofuel content in fuel from 5% to 8%. This biofuel content is typically FAME, or Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, a biofuel with similar characteristics to DERV but with a far lower environmental impact.
FAME brings issues that negatively affects diesel over time:
A shorter shelf life
Cold weather performance diminishes as FAME is more prone to waxing (gelling)
Increased water content in diesel as it absorbs moisture from the air
Risk of diesel bugs, that degrades the fuel and block filters and fuel lines
Given the above, fuel maintenance is required.
Who can buy DERV in bulk?
As long as there is a way to store the diesel safely, in line with relevant diesel storage regulations, then anyone can buy DERV in bulk. An RDCO form also needs to be completed confirming to the supplier you are allowed to use the fuel.
What is the cost of DERV?
The price of DERV changes regularly based on global factors such as the price of crude oil and individual circumstances, including how much you want to purchase and your delivery location.
How should DERV be stored?
The safest way to store diesel at your premises is in a bunded tank that’s both accessible and sheltered from the elements.
How long can you store DERV?
Diesel degrades in quality over time due to several factors, mainly from the FAME and ester content. We recommend storing DERV or red diesel for a maximum of a year without taking steps to preserve its quality. After this point, diesel bugs, moisture retention, sludge build-up and waxing can take its toll on your vehicles.
DERV can be stored for an extended period if you take precautions to maintain fuel quality. This includes regular checks on your storage, testing the fuel and draining any build-up from the bottom of the tank.
Can DERV become contaminated?
There are two main types of diesel contamination: physical and microbial.
Physical – this includes synthetic or organic matter entering your diesel. In outdoor tanks, this will be plant debris, small insects or rust in a metal tank.
Microbial – where fungi and bacteria grow, increasing moisture content and sludge build-up. These microbes feed on hydrocarbons degrading the fuel as the bacteria multiply.
Can you clean contaminated DERV?
Yes – polishing your fuel can resolve minor fuel contamination onsite by pumping the fuel through a high-pressure fuel polishing machine, forcing your fuel through several fine filters until all traces are removed.
It can be uplifted for polishing offsite and recycled back into the market, potentially giving you payment.
What alternatives are available to DERV?
Renewable diesel replacement Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is the lowest-emission diesel replacement fuel available.
HVO is different to other diesel fuels. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is an eco-friendly alternative to other traditional types of diesels. HVO fuels have been reported to reduce carbon monoxide and dioxide straight from the initial usage. It slashes CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%
How do I deal with a spillage?
If only a small amount of DERV has been spilt its important that you attempt to prevent further spillage and then as quickly and safely as possible try to remove the fuel. If in an enclosed space be careful as the fumes can be toxic.
For a large amount of DERV being spilt you should get in touch with a professional company to handle the spillage. It vital that you attempt to quickly deal with the spillage to minimise damage to the environment.
Spills leave your business at risk of receiving a hefty fine as well as the clean-up costs and possible damage to your businesses reputation.
Why Choose Oilfast?
Competitive Pricing
We provide competitive transparent prices with low market tracking and we have sustainable pricing structures in place.
Mobile On-Site Deliveries
We now offer a mobile fuel delivery service where a small fuel volume is required to top up your vehicles and machinery.
Prompt Reliable Delivery
We are committed to providing short delivery timescales, delivering on time and in full. Offering a trustworthy and dependable service, including out of hours.
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Whether you're a business or home heating oil user, you can contact Oilfast for reliable service and expert assistance. We're here to keep homes warm and businesses running smoothly.
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If you need to speak to someone call us on 03302 320 104, and our dedicated team will be happy to assist you.