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Information for users of fuel oil and gas oil
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The Adobe Acrobat Reader can be freely downloaded. Viewers with visual difficulties may find it useful to investigate services provided to improve the accessibility of Acrobat documents -- http://access.adobe.comWhat is this leaflet for?
To ensure that users of fuel oil and gas oil are aware of their current and future obligations under the Sulphur Content of Liquid Fuels (England and Wales) Regulations 2000. This legislation came into force on 27 June 2000.
Who uses fuel oil and gas oil?
These fuels have a wide variety of industrial and civil uses, including power generation, manufacturing, agriculture, shipping and heating for large buildings.
What do the regulations do?
The regulations set a series of three limits on the amount of sulphur contained in both fuel oil and gas oil. The sulphur limits will come into force in three different stages over the next few years:
For users of gas oil
- From 1 July 2000 the amount of sulphur in these oils must not exceed 0.2 per cent by mass. The marketing of higher sulphur gas oil for inland applications has been prohibited since October 1994.
- From 1 January 2008 the sulphur limit will be further reduced, and must not exceed 0.1 per cent by mass.
For users of marine gas oil on voyages within the EU
- From 1 July 2000 the amount of sulphur in these oils must not exceed 0.2 per cent by mass. This is a new requirement.
- From 1 January 2008 the sulphur limit will be further reduced, and must not exceed 0.1 per cent by mass.
For users of fuel oil
- From 1 January 2003 the amount of sulphur in this oil must not exceed 1 per cent.
- However operators of combustion plants (including those on refineries) have the option of either:
- complying with the 1 per cent sulphur limit, or
- having a permit which requires compliance with a sulphur dioxide emission limit of 1700mg/Nm3 from the same date.
How can you arrange a permit?
- If you operate a plant that is regulated under the Integrated Pollution Control system (IPC), e.g. a combustion plant above 50 Megawatt thermal, you should apply to the Environment Agency if you need a variation to your current authorisation.
- If you operate a plant that is regulated under the Local Air Pollution Control system (LAPC), e.g. a combustion plant between 20 - 50 Megawatt thermal, you should apply to your local authority if you need a variation to your current authorisation.
- If you operate a plant that is not regulated under the IPC or LAPC, you should apply to your local authority for a permit.
Why have we introduced the regulations?
The regulations implement a European Union Directive (1999/32/EC) relating to the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels. The Directive aims to further reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide into the air and so reduce their harmful effects on people and the environment.
What is happening elsewhere in the UK?
These new regulations are being introduced separately in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and will be applied in a similar way compared to England and Wales.
How will compliance with the regulations be checked?
We will introduce sampling to check the sulphur content for both fuels. Sampling will begin six months after each sulphur limit comes into force.
We will take samples:
- for the gas oil sulphur limit of 0.2 per cent - from 1 January 2001;
- for the fuel oil sulphur limit of 1 per cent - from 1 July 2003; and
- for the gas oil sulphur limit of 0.1 per cent - from 1 July 2008.
The Environment Agency will be responsible for sampling, in association with local authorities.
What do I need to do now?
Users of gas oil
You must only use gas oil with a sulphur content of no more than 0.2 per cent - you are advised to check the sulphur content of your fuel.
The marketing of higher sulphur gas oil (for non-international transport applications) has been banned since October 1994. However, if you still have any fuel that you bought before this date it could contain more than 0.2 per cent sulphur.
From 1 January 2008 you must ensure that the gas oil you use has a sulphur content of no more than 0.1 per cent.
Users of marine gas oil on voyages within the EU
You must only use gas oil with a sulphur content of no more than 0.2 per cent - you are advised to check the sulphur content of your fuel.
From 1 January 2008 you must make sure that the gas oil you use has a sulphur content of no more than 0.1 per cent.
Users of fuel oil
You don't need to do anything yet. But from 1 January 2003 you must make sure that the fuel you use has a sulphur content of no more than 1 per cent.
However, operators of combustion plants, including those on refineries, may use higher sulphur fuel under certain conditions - see above section 'For users of fuel oil'.
Can I buy fuels that meet the requirements?
Yes. The oil industry already supplies gas oil and marine gas oil meeting the maximum 0.2% sulphur limit. Products meeting the future limits on fuel oil and gas oil will be made available at the appropriate time.
Where should I go for more information?
Please contact us at:
DETR
Air and Environment Quality Division
Zone 4/G15
Ashdown House
123 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6DE
Tel: 020 7944 6324
Fax : 020 7944 6290
Web site: www.dtlr.gov.uk
e-mail: air.quality@defra.gsi.gov.ukNational Assembly for Wales
Environment Division - Air Quality and Industrial Pollution Policy
CP2 - Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
Tel: 029 2082 5546
Fax: 029 2082 3658
Website: www.wales.gov.uk
e-mail: environment.division@wales.gsi.gov.ukYou can find the regulations on the Stationery Office website at: www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2000/20001460.htm
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Published 19 April 2001 / Updated 26 July 2001
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