When filling up the diesel tank for the fridge. Gethin’s employer uses “red” diesel rather than the “white” type used in the vehicle fuel tanks. Why is this?

Explanation: • It can run at lower temperatures and therefore does not "wax": No, it is exactly the same product as the "white" diesel apart from the added dye.
• It is more environmentally friendly than the normal "white" diesel: No, it is exactly the same product as the "white" diesel apart from the added dye.
• It is more fuel efficient in the smaller engine used for the fridge motor: No, it is exactly the same product as the "white" diesel apart from the added dye.
• It is cheaper to buy as it does not have the same, high level of VAT: Yes, and therefore reduces the running cost of the vehicle. It is however illegal to use this diesel as a road fuel, hence it can only be used in the engine powering the fridge unit.

Category: CPC Case Studies: Technical Matters