What is Gasoil?

"Gasoil" is the international trading term for diesel-range middle distillate fuel used in compression-ignition engines and industrial applications. It sits between gasoline and heavy fuel oil in the refinery cut.

• Diesel (Automotive Diesel - Europe)
• ULSD 10 ppm / 15 ppm (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel - global standard)
• Typical Specification (ULSD 10ppm)

Parameter	Typical Requirement
Sulfur Content	≤ 10 ppm
Density @15°C	820 - 845 kg/m³
Flash Point	≥ 55°C
Cetane Number	≥ 51
Cloud Point	Climate dependent
Distillation (95%)	≤ 360°C
Applications	Road diesel vehicles, generators

 

Technical Notes:

Low sulfur protects modern engines and emissions systems (DPF, SCR).

Higher flash point than gasoline → safer storage.

Cold flow properties vary by region (winter/summer grades).

Gasoil (Legacy High-Sulfur Grade):

Parameter	Typical Requirement
Sulfur	Up to 5,000 ppm (0.5%)
Density	820 - 870 kg/m³
Flash Point	≥ 62°C
Cetane	~45 minimum

Use Industrial / off-road / some emerging markets

Note: Many jurisdictions have phased out high-sulfur D2.

Key Comparison:

Jet A-1 vs Gasoline vs Gasoil

Engine Type	Turbine	Spark ignition	Compression ignition
≤0.3%	≤0.3%	≤10-50 ppm	≤10 ppm (ULSD)
≥38°C	≥38°C	~-43°C	≥55°C
≤-47°C	≤-47°C	Not critical	Cloud/CFPP critical
~0.80 kg/L	~0.80 kg/L	~0.74 kg/L	0.84 kg/L
Aviation hubs	Aviation hubs	Retail/global	Massive global commodity

 

Trading & Contract Terminology

In oil desk operations, gasoil is usually referenced as:

• Diesel
• ULSD 10ppm CIF Rotterdam
• D2 FOB Fujairah
• AGO (Automotive Gasoil) — African market terminology

Key contract specs typically include:

• Sulfur content
• Density
• Flash point
• Cetane index
• CFPP (Cold Filter Plugging Point)
• Water & sediment
• Total contamination