DERV

Diesel Engine Road Vehicle (DERV) fuel is widely used to power cars, vans and trucks which are used on UK roads.

DERV is distinguishable from other types of diesel by its lack of colouration. In the UK DERV is clear in colour, which makes it easy to distinguish from farm diesel, which is mixed with a red dye. It is important that the two are clearly identifiable, as it is illegal to use farm diesel in vehicles which travel on public roads.

Because DERV is designed for on-road use, it is subject to higher rates of taxation, making it more expensive than farm diesel and other derivatives. As such, legislators have introduced strict penalties for those found to be using farm diesel to power an on-road vehicle. This is enforced by regular roadside checks, where tanks are examined for signs of colouration.

While DERV is subject to higher taxation, it is not dissimilar from road diesel and is developed using the same process of fractional distillation. By heating and cooling crude oil at various temperatures, an array of grades of derivatives can be distilled, all of which have different burning qualities and purposes.

DERV is a middle distillate and is a popular form of transport fuel because it is both clean-burning and economical. DERV automobiles have become a popular alternative to petrol-driven vehicles because of these qualities, which allow for long-term savings to be made, although the initial outlay is often larger by comparison.

DERV is available at fuel stations throughout the UK and is subject to strict assessment standards to ensure that it is of a high and consistent quality. So too, it can be bought in bulk quantities, with the fuel delivered via tankers.

In recent years, Europe-wide efforts have been made to further reduce harmful DERV emissions, with the Auto-Oil programme enacting a number of regulations which have restricted the maximum sulphur content in both petrol and DERV fuels.