Skip Navigation to main content U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Bringing you a prosperous future where energy is clean, abundant, reliable, and affordableEERE HomeEERE Home
Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center
About the AFDCFuelsVehiclesFleetsIncentives and LawsData, Analysis and TrendsInformation ResourcesHome
Alternative and Advanced Fuels

Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Distribution

Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is being distributed via existing infrastructure and sold at retail fueling stations. In California, all diesel fuel had to be ULSD by 2006. In the rest of the United States, most diesel is ULSD until 2010, at which time all diesel must be ULSD. In the period until 2010, retail fueling stations are required to specify the type of fuel dispensed by each pump (see labels).

Graphic of required diesel labeling - Ultra-Low Sulfur Highway Diesel Fuel (15 ppm Sulfur Maximum). Required for use in all model year 2007 and later highway diesel vehicles and engines. Recommended for use in all diesel vehicles and engines.Graphic of required diesel labeling - Low Sulfur Highway Diesel Fuel (500 ppm Sulfur Maximum). Warning - Federal law prohibits use in model year 2007 and later highway vehicles and engines. Its use may damage these vehicles and engines.Graphic of required diesel labeling - Non-Highway Diesel Fuel (May Exceed 500 ppm Sulfur). Warning - Federal law prohibits use in highway vehicles or engines.  Its use may damage these vehicles and engines.

Required diesel labeling (Source: Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance)