DIESEL fleets will be cleaner from this month with the enactment of EU legislation cutting the amount of sulphur in fuel. The maximum content allowed by law is now .05% (by weight) instead of 0.2%.

Esso used the event to launch an improved diesel fuel called Diesel 2000 with prices held at old levels. Drivers using the new fuel will reduce sulphur dioxide emissions from their vehicles by up to 75%. They will also reduce particulate emissions, especially if they are driving a new vehicle equipped with an oxidation catalyst.

Research has shown that reducing the sulphur content of diesel fuel may lead to wear in the fuelling systems of diesel cars which in turn can lead to increased fuel consumption and higher emissions of black smoke and particulates. Esso says its Diesel 2000 has been formulated to prevent this problem.