Issue description
The quality of diesel fuel has an impact on the exhaust emissions primarily nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The use of better diesel fuel qualities, especially with lower sulphur content, improves the functioning of after treatment equipment and reduces emissions from existing vehicles.
From January 1, 2005, a maximum sulphur content of 50 ppm is allowed for diesel fuels within the whole EU. From this date there is also a requirement that sufficient quantities of diesel fuel with a sulphur content of 10 ppm should be available. From January 2009 only fuels with a sulphur content of 10 ppm should be provided within the whole EU. By then the sulphur content in diesel and petrol fuels used for transport will be harmonised in the EU.
In the USA , Canada and Japan vehicle fuels are regulated and especially the content of sulphur. Low sulphur fuels are available to a large extent. In other parts of the world unregulated vehicle fuel qualities cause problems with after treatment equipment, service and maintenance, durability and predictability. Exhaust emissions are also increased.