SHELL is to take on the supermarket service stations in making its own ultra-low sulphur diesel readily available in urban areas. The fuel, which has a sulphur content at least 90% lower than standard diesel, will initially go on sale at 140 service stations in the M25 area.

Shell is offering the ultra-low sulphur diesel at the same price as standard diesel, a move which was initiated by the supermarket chain Sainsbury's with Citydiesel, followed by Morrisons.