Red Diesel Ban: what does this mean for businesses and what are the alternatives.

Red Diesel Ban: what does this mean for businesses and what are the alternatives.

With the government statement removing the entitlement of using red diesel, do we know what this means for our businesses and whom this affects? Here we give you a little more understanding of the new rules that have come into effect from 1st April 2022.

What are the new rules on red diesel?

In the budget 2020, the government declared that they would remove the entitlement to use red diesel or rebated gas oil. This move by the government will affect most business sectors using off-road vehicles and machinery, with construction being the most impacted by the change. There will be a few exceptions, which we outline below.

The new regulation is to help meet the UK’s environmental targets to clean up the air contributing to global warming and public health.

Who can use red diesel after 2022?

While rebated gas oil will be removed from use in the construction, manufacturing and haulage industries, many sectors will still benefit from using red diesel. Here is a brief outline of the industries still able to use this type of fuel:

  • Rail
  • Forestry
  • Agriculture
  • Fish Farming
  • Horticulture
  • Community Amateur Sports Clubs and Golf Courses

Rebated fuel can also be used for non-commercial uses, such as heating and electricity generation, in these types of premises:

  • NHS Hospitals
  • Domestic Homes
  • State Schools
  • Town Halls
  • Places of Worship

Can I still buy red diesel after 1st April 2022?

You will only be able to purchase red diesel from specialist fuel suppliers. It will no longer be available off the shelf to the general public. 

What does the new legislation mean for the Surfacing and Reinstatement contractors?

Red diesel has been widely used to break down bituminous materials. The contractor has two options to continue to use standard white diesel and pay the higher rate on account of the tax, or to use Meon’s TarBusta H990 – The ecological replacement to diesel and other corrosive cleaners.

TarBusta is manufactured from recycled materials and provides a more environmentally-friendly alternative. It is an ideal and long-lasting solution that prevents the build-up of bitumen on plant equipment and work tools, and it only has a minimal effect on the properties of bitumen material.

  • 100% environmentally friendly
  • Fully bio-degradable
  • Non-toxic
  • Non- corrosive
  • Not classified as dangerous.

If you need advice about this topic or want to know more about our products and services, then contact us today at 02392 200 606 or email us at mail@meonuk.com.