Red Diesel Storage Regulations: What You Should Know

Red diesel plays a vital role in agriculture, powering everything from tractors and harvesters to generators and heating systems. However, with increased scrutiny around fuel use and environmental protection, farmers must ensure they’re storing agricultural fuels like red diesel in line with current UK regulations.

Whether you’re storing agricultural oils on a smallholding or across a large farm estate, it’s essential to stay compliant with the latest laws for both environmental safety and operational efficiency.



Understanding Red Diesel and Its Agricultural Use

Red diesel, also known as gas oil, is chemically identical to white diesel but dyed red to indicate that it carries a lower rate of excise duty. While its use is restricted in many sectors, it remains fully legal for agricultural, horticultural, forestry, and fish farming operations.

Farmers and landowners can continue to purchase red diesel from a registered red diesel supplier for use in vehicles like tractors, as well as for off-road machinery and stationary engines, as long as they are being used for one of the above purposes. However, how you store and handle tractor oil and red diesel must comply with UK environmental regulations.

How Much Red Diesel Can You Store?

There’s no strict legal limit on the volume of red diesel you can store on your farm, but the type of storage system and safety measures you use will depend on the quantity.

For example:

If you store over 200 litres of oil, your tank must meet the Oil Storage Regulations for England (2001) or equivalent legislation in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you store more than 1,500 litres, you must use a bunded tank, a tank within a tank, that protects against spills or leaks.

These rules aim to reduce the risk of contamination to soil, watercourses and groundwater, particularly during adverse weather or accidental damage.

Safe Storage Requirements for Red Diesel

To comply with environmental regulations and ensure the safe use of agricultural fuels, storage tanks must be:

●     Bundled and leak-proof for tanks over 1,500 litres

●     Located at least 10 metres from watercourses

●     Protected against vehicle impact or tampering

●     Clearly labelled to show contents and hazard warnings

●     Fitted with secure taps, valves, and filters to prevent spillage or theft

Tanks should be inspected regularly for signs of corrosion, damage or fuel theft, and any issues should be addressed immediately. It’s also wise to keep a record of deliveries and usage to monitor for any leaks or unusual activity.

Why It Matters

Failure to comply with red diesel storage regulations can result in fines, environmental damage, and fuel loss. By following best practices, farmers protect their assets, land, and local ecosystems, while also ensuring continued access to essential agricultural oils.

Reliable Agricultural Fuel Solutions from Northern Oil

At Northern Oil, we’re proud to be a trusted red diesel supplier for farms across the UK. We deliver high-quality tractor oil and agricultural fuels, while offering expert advice on compliant fuel storage and usage.

To learn more about our agricultural fuels or request a red diesel delivery, get in touch today!