Off-Road Diesel

Off-road diesel fuel is used in vehicles like construction equipment, farming tractors, and other heavy machinery not typically driven on public roads. This type of diesel fuel is also tax-exempt.

Off-road diesel is the same product as regular diesel. The primary difference is that off-road diesel contains a red dye and regular diesel does not. Diesel is made from crude oil, so it is produced in petroleum refineries and distributed by oil suppliers.

Although on-road and off-road diesel fuels are the same product, they have a few distinct differences. On-road diesel fuel is for vehicles that travel public roadways and is the type dispensed at gas stations. The price you pay for on-road diesel includes the price of the fuel itself and any local taxes. On-road diesel fuel is also colorless.

Off-road diesel fuel is for any heavy machinery not used on a public road, such as a tractor or bulldozer. It is dyed red to distinguish it from on-road diesel fuel. Because off-road diesel fuel is not used in vehicles that drive on public roads, it is not taxed.

Yes. Technically, you can mix off-road diesel and regular diesel without issue because the two have the same formulation with the exception of the red dye in the off-road version. However, it is illegal to use off-road diesel in an on-road vehicle.

No. Using off-road diesel in an on-road vehicle is illegal. At traffic stops, local authorities often check the color of fuel in diesel engines. Only a small sample of fuel is necessary to determine whether it is off-road or on-road diesel, as the red hue shows up clearly. If you are caught with red diesel in your on-road vehicle, you could face a hefty fine.

Off-road diesel is dyed red to denote that the fuel is not taxed. The red dye is very easy to identify. Because regular diesel is clear, the presence or absence of color makes it easy to distinguish between the two types of fuel. The red dye helps authorities quickly identify which fuel a driver is using to prevent the illegal use of off-road diesel.

Off-road diesel costs the same as regular diesel, but unlike the latter, its final price does not include tax. Its cost will vary based on the price of crude oil and other market factors. You can partner with a wholesale supplier like Shipley Energy to ensure you get the lowest rates with reliable delivery.

Off-road diesel is the same product as regular diesel, so it is subject to the same price fluctuations. The only difference is that taxes do not impact off-road diesel prices. Some factors that affect the price of both diesel varieties include:

• The price of crude oil
• Refining costs
• Distribution expenses

The absence of taxes on off-road diesel give it a lower price per gallon than the on-road variety. On farms, construction sites, and other work environments that depend on off-road equipment, tax-exempt fuel provides significant cost savings, making it possible to own and operate vital machinery with less financial burden.