Q:    What is ULSD?

A:    ULSD stands for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel.  It is a clean burning fuel that has a maximum sulfur content of 15 ppm.  It will eventually replace the current highway diesel fuel, Low Sulfur Diesel, which can have as much as 500 ppm.  ULSD is required for use in model year 2007 vehicles equipped with advanced emission control systems.  ULSD will generally look lighter in color and have less smell than other diesel fuel.

Q:    Why is ULSD being required for on-highway use?   

A:    To reduce emissions from diesel vehicles and equipment, 2007 diesel engines will have advanced emission control systems that cannot tolerate sulfur levels currently allowed with LSD.

Q:    When will the ULSD requirement take effect?

A:    Refiners and importers must ensure that at least 80% of the volume of highway-diesel fuel they produce or import is ULSD-compliant on June 1^st, 2006.  ULSD requirements for parties downstream, including terminals, take effect on September 1^st, 2006.  Retail outlets and fleet fueling facilities must be compliant by October 15^th, 2006.  From June 1^st, 2006 to December 1^st, 2010 both ULSD and LSD will coexist in the marketplace.  Beginning on December 1^st, 2010, only ULSD will be available at retail for highway use.

(In California, the date fro terminals is July 15^th, 2006 and September 1^st, 2006 for retail stations.)

Q:    Will these requirements extend to off-highway diesel fuel?

A:    Yes, The EPA has finalized similarly stringent standards for non-road diesel fuel that will be phased in over several years.  In California, there is no distinction between on-highway and off-highway diesel fuel.  The 2006 California diesel fuel regulation will cover off-highway diesel as well.

Q:    Do all service stations and truck stop have to sell ULSD?

A:    No.  The EPA ULSD regulations do not require service stations or truck stops to sell ULSD.  However, by December 1^st, 2010, if a retail outlet sells highway diesel fuel, it must be ULSD.  To assure that customers are clear on what fuel is being sold, there are requirements for clearly labeling dispensers to indicate which grade is provided.  In California, all service stations or truck stops must sell ULSD.

Q:    Can customers continue to purchase LSD if they prefer to use it in older vehicles?

A:    Yes, where available.  ULSD may be used in all diesel vehicles, even those that do not require it.

Q:    How will customers know if you are selling ULSD?

A:    The ULSD regulations require retailers to label there pumps clearly with the specific type of diesel fuel that pump contains.  In California, all diesel fuel will be ULSD.

Q:    May I continue to blend No. 1 diesel or Kerosene to improve ULSD cold weather performance?

A:    Yes, but the No. 1 Diesel of Kerosene must be ultra low sulfur.  (Please note that Kerosene may not contain the necessary lubricity additives.)  EPA regulations prohibit the blending of fuel or use of additives that will contaminate ULSD.

Q:    Does BP expect the introduction of ULSD to cause any major supply disruptions?

A:    No.  Introduction of the new fuel is being phased in gradually to facilitate a smooth transition.

Q:    Will ULSD affect the power and fuel economy of equipment?

A:    Under typical operating conditions there should be no noticeable impact on the overall power of the vehicle.  The reduction in energy content in ULSD could result in reduced fuel economy by some estimates of about 1%, which is within normal variability of diesel fuel.

Q:    Can LSD be burned without operational problems in 2007 model year and later diesel vehicles?

A:    No.  EPA regulations prohibit the use of LSD in highway diesel vehicles beginning with the 2007 model year.  The emission control system could experience significant reductions in efficiency and durability if operated on LSD, which could invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty.

Q:    What are the potential benefits of ULSD?

A:    The primary reason for introduction ULSD is to reduce exhaust emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides by more that 90%.  The EPA estimates that there will be significant health benefits form stricter emission standards and that these benefits will increase over time.

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