EN590 vs D2 diesel: what's the difference?
Both are diesel — but they sit at opposite ends of the sulphur scale, serve different markets, and price about $160/MT apart. Here's the comparison bulk buyers actually need.
The comparison
| Dimension | Diesel EN590 10 ppm | Diesel Gas Oil D2 |
|---|---|---|
| Governing standard | EN 590 (Europe) | GOST 305-82 family |
| Max sulphur | 10 mg/kg (10 ppm) | ≈ 2,000 ppm (0.2 % mass) |
| Cetane number | min 51 | min 45 |
| Density | 820 – 845 kg/m³ @15 °C | 820 – 860 kg/m³ @20 °C |
| Primary use | Road vehicles, retail fuel | Industry, generators, marine aux, mining |
| Road-legal in EU/UK | Yes | No |
| Our gross indication (CIF) | $570 /MT | $410 /MT |
| Our contract range | 30,000 – 500,000 MT | 10,000 – 1,000,000 MT / month |
Why the sulphur limit matters
Sulphur is the regulatory dividing line. Modern road engines use diesel particulate filters and SCR catalysts that higher-sulphur fuel degrades, so road markets in the EU, UK and much of Asia mandate 10 ppm fuel — that's EN590's territory. Industrial equipment without after-treatment tolerates D2's 0.2% sulphur happily, which is why power producers, mines and fleets of off-road machinery buy the cheaper grade.
Why EN590 costs ~$160/MT more
Getting from 2,000 ppm down to 10 ppm requires deep hydrodesulphurization — hydrogen, catalyst and unit capacity that all cost the refinery money. That processing premium, plus tighter cetane and density windows, is what separates the two prices on our product list: $570 vs $410 CIF gross indicative per MT.
Which should you buy?
- Buy EN590 if you distribute road fuel, supply retail networks, or your market regulates road-diesel sulphur.
- Buy D2 for power generation, mining, agriculture, marine auxiliaries and industrial burners where ultra-low sulphur isn't mandated and unit economics rule.
- Unsure? Name the end-use in your ICPO and the trading desk will quote the grade that fits — the transaction procedure is identical for both.
Frequently asked questions
Is D2 the same as EN590?
No. Both are middle-distillate diesel fuels, but EN590 is the European road-diesel standard capped at 10 ppm sulphur, while D2 is a GOST-type gasoil allowing up to about 2,000 ppm (0.2%). EN590 is road-legal in regulated markets; D2 is used off-road and industrially.
Why is EN590 more expensive than D2?
Removing sulphur to 10 ppm requires deep hydrodesulphurization, which adds refining cost. On our current gross indications the spread is about USD 160 per MT ($570 CIF for EN590 vs $410 CIF for D2).
Can D2 be used in road vehicles?
Only where local regulation permits its sulphur level. Modern road vehicles with particulate filters and SCR systems require ultra-low-sulphur diesel like EN590; higher-sulphur D2 can damage after-treatment systems and is illegal for road use in many markets.
Which grade should I buy?
EN590 if your market regulates road-fuel sulphur or your buyers are retail/fleet distributors; D2 for power generation, mining, marine auxiliaries, agriculture and industrial use where price matters more than sulphur class.
Related guides & products
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