Petroleum Products
EN-590 Diesel (Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel)
EN-590 diesel fuel, specifically designed to meet European Union emissions standards, is used widely in diesel engines across Europe, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. As emissions regulations evolved, EN-590 adapted to include ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD), with additives to replace the lubrication function that sulphur previously provided. This diesel fuel offers several grades tailored for varying climate conditions: Grade C for temperatures as low as -5°C, Grade D for -10°C, Grade E for -15°C, and Grade F for -20°C.
EN-590 diesel’s low sulphur content is essential in reducing sulphur oxide emissions, making it ideal for highly populated urban areas. It complies with Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards, which set a maximum of 10 ppm sulphur content to support advanced emissions controls and limit particulate matter. This diesel is priced and assessed using Platts Oil Pricing and Market-on-Close (MOC) Methodology, ensuring that EN-590 diesel fuel meets the highest standards in quality and international compliance.
Product Specification
Detailed specifications of EN-590 Diesel ULSD ensure adherence to stringent European standards, guaranteeing fuel quality that meets the requirements of modern diesel engines and environmental compliance.
Platts Oil Pricing and MOC Methodology Explained
Platts Oil Pricing uses a Market-on-Close (MOC) methodology, reflecting end-of-day assessments that capture true market values and help industry stakeholders make informed purchasing decisions.
Platts Price Assessment Processes & Methodology
The Platts Price Assessment involves a rigorous, transparent process that includes daily monitoring, reporting, and analysis, providing reliable benchmarks for fuel pricing based on real-time market conditions and regulatory standards.
Jet Fuel / Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF)
Jet Fuel, also known as Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) or Avtur, powers aircraft with gas-turbine engines. It has a clear to straw-colored appearance, with Jet A and Jet A-1 being the most widely used commercial aviation fuels due to their standardized specifications. Jet B, known for its superior cold-weather performance, is also utilized in specific conditions.
Aviation fuel is a refined mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily kerosene-based for Jet A and Jet A-1, with carbon numbers between 8 to 16. Jet B, a naphtha-type fuel, has a slightly broader carbon range, enhancing its low-temperature performance. Designed to meet the critical demands of aviation, jet fuel often includes additives to prevent icing and minimize explosion risks, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
D2 Diesel Gas Oil
D2, a type of gasoil, is the second distillate derived from crude oil and was initially used as fuel in early diesel engines. Unlike gasoline engines, which need spark plugs, diesel engines combust fuel through pressure, generating the heat required for ignition. Today’s automotive diesel fuel includes additives to enhance engine performance and startability, especially in colder weather, and to prevent fuel line freezing and clogging from wax and water buildup.
A key difference between D2 and other gas oils is sulfur content. In recent years, regulations have reduced sulfur levels from as high as 4% down to 0.02% in some regions. Sulfur extraction, now a profit-driven process, has helped minimize urban pollution caused by gasoil. International standards for D2 are maintained by organizations such as ISO (globally), ANSI (U.S.), and GOST (Russia).
The most common diesel grades used in vehicles are EN590 and EN560, compliant with standards like the U.S. EPA and ISO. With the push for lower emissions, some aircraft are experimenting with gasoil in place of kerosene, as it provides superior fuel efficiency. However, concerns about condensation and ice particles in jet engines, which may clog or damage turbines, remain a technical challenge.
Technical Specification of D2
Platts Oil Pricing and MOC Methodology Explained
Platts Price Assessment Processes & Methodology
D6 Diesel Bunker Fuel
D6 Diesel, also known as Virgin Fuel Oil, Residual Fuel Oil, or Bunker Oil, is a high-viscosity fuel primarily used in large marine vessels and power plants due to its requirement for preheating to approximately 220–260 degrees Fahrenheit. This fuel type, referred to as "Residual Fuel" in the United States, is unsuitable for smaller engines or vehicles that lack preheating mechanisms. Residual fuel represents the heavy material left after more valuable cuts of crude oil are extracted, often containing up to 2% water and 0.5% mineral soil impurities. It is also identified under specific standards, such as Bunker C or Pacific Standard PS-400.
Recent regulations mandate additional refining of D6 to reduce sulfur content, which has increased costs, though D6 remains a high-pollutant, viscous fuel that is primarily used in large ships and power plants. Price increases for D6 diesel are common during colder months when demand for heating oil—refined similarly—rises. As a result, D6 diesel can be more expensive than petrol in regions like the U.S., U.K., and Australia.
Standards for D6 Diesel are assessed through indexes like the Calculated Carbon Aromaticity Index (CCAI) and Carbon Intensity Index (CII), which gauge ignition quality, particularly in marine applications. Marine fuel markets classify D6 based on viscosity, measured in Centistokes and defined by ISO 8217. Key classifications include IFO 380 and IFO 180, with maximum viscosities of 380 and 180 Centistokes, respectively; LS 380 and LS 180, low-sulfur (<1.5%) variants of these intermediates; and marine-specific fuels such as Marine Diesel Oil (MDO) and Marine Gasoil (MGO).
Technical Specification of D6
Platts Oil Pricing and MOC Methodology Explained
Platts Price Assessment Processes & Methodology
Fuel Oil Overview
Alternative Names: Heavy Oil, Marine Oil, Furnace Oil
Types of Bunkers and Sulfur Content:
IFO380 & IFO180: Max 3.5% sulfur (RME, RMF, RMG, RMH, RMK)
LS380 & LS180: Max 1.0% sulfur
ULSFO: Max 0.10% sulfur for compliance with 2015 ECA regulations
MGO: Typically max 1.50% sulfur, "clear and bright" distillate (DMA, DMZ)
LSMGO: Max 0.10% sulfur distillate (DMA, DMZ) for ECA compliance
MDO: Max 1.50% sulfur distillate (DMB)
Fuel Oil Defined
Fuel oil, also known as heavy oil, marine fuel, or furnace oil, is a petroleum distillate used for heat generation or as an engine fuel. It is heavier than gasoline and naphtha and consists of long hydrocarbon chains. Lighter fuels, such as gasoline and jet fuel, are removed earlier in the distillation process, while bunker oil remains as one of the densest fractions.
General Classification of Fuel Oil
Different organizations may have varying specifications, but generally, the grades range from Number 1 (volatile oils like kerosene) to Number 6 (high-viscosity residual oils). The properties and uses vary:
No. 1: Kerosene for burners
No. 2: Home heating oil, diesel-like
No. 4: Commercial heating oil, no preheating required
No. 5 & No. 6: Industrial oils needing preheating
Marine Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) Properties
Used widely in shipping, HFO provides energy to power marine engines and boilers. HFO properties under ISO 8217:2010 standards include:
Catalytic Fines: Limits for Al+Si are set at 60 mg/kg to avoid system damage.
Density: Indicates ignition quality; crucial in fuel quantity calculation.
Kinematic Viscosity: Impacts atomization and pumpability.
CCAI: Assesses combustion efficiency, with 870 as the maximum acceptable value.
Flashpoint: Minimum of 60°C, per SOLAS.
Sulfur: Regulated under MARPOL, max limits of 3.50% (2012) and 0.50% (2020).
Challenges in Using HFO
Water in Fuel: Lowers efficiency and increases wear.
Sludge: Forms in storage, clogging systems.
Pumpability: High viscosity challenges.
Combustion: Requires heating; improper heating leads to deposits.
Corrosion: Sulfur and vanadium contribute to high and low-temperature corrosion.
Onboard Fuel Treatment Methods To use HFO, onboard treatments include:
Heating and Draining: Ensures pumpability and smooth flow through fuel systems.
Separation: Removes water and contaminants to maintain fuel quality and system efficiency.
Crude Oil
Crude oil is a naturally occurring fossil fuel composed of hydrocarbon deposits and other organic materials. Extracted through drilling, it is then refined to produce various products, such as gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals. A nonrenewable resource, crude oil forms over millions of years and is typically found alongside natural gas and saline water.
Key Types of Crude Oil
West Texas Intermediate (WTI): A light, sweet oil with low sulfur content (0.24%) and high API gravity (39.6 degrees). It’s refined mainly in the U.S. and Gulf regions.
Brent Blend: Extracted from the North Sea, Brent has 0.37% sulfur and 38.06 degrees API gravity. It’s commonly used in gasoline production and serves as a global price benchmark.
Dubai Crude: Produced in Dubai, this medium-density oil has 2% sulfur and an API gravity of 31 degrees. It’s often used for pricing Asian crude oil exports.
Russian Export Blend (REBCO): Known as a "sour" oil with high sulfur content, REBCO is a key export to Europe, particularly Italy and the Netherlands.
Bonny Light Crude Oil (BLCO): A high-quality Nigerian oil from the Niger Delta with high API gravity, making it ideal for refining into light petroleum products.
Classifications of Crude Oil
Sweet vs. Sour: Sweet crude has low sulfur content and is easier to refine. Sour crude, with higher sulfur, requires more processing, impacting its value and demand.
Light vs. Heavy: Light crude has higher API gravity (lower density), which makes it easier to refine into gasoline. Heavy crude has a lower API gravity and higher density, often containing metals that make it challenging and costly to refine.
Economic Value Determinants
Crude oil’s value is tied to its ease of refining. Light, sweet crude like WTI is typically more valuable due to its higher yield of desirable products (e.g., gasoline) after simple distillation. Conversely, heavy, sour crudes require extensive processing, impacting their economic value.
Distillation and Price Impact
During distillation, crude oil separates into various products, from lighter ones like naphtha and LPG at low temperatures to residual fuels at high temperatures. Lighter oils like WTI tend to yield more of these sought-after products, making them pricier.
Trading and Pricing
Crude oil futures markets, dominated by industry players, reflect supply-demand dynamics influenced by global production and economic conditions. WTI and Brent are the two main types traded, with Brent serving as a global price benchmark. The rise of U.S. shale oil has also affected pricing dynamics, with WTI gaining prominence in futures markets.
Environmental Classification by the EPA
The EPA classifies crude oil based on potential toxicity and environmental impact:
Class A: Light, highly volatile, toxic oils that spread quickly.
Class B: Medium to heavy oils, less toxic but can penetrate porous surfaces.
Class C: Heavy oils, less toxic, and more challenging to clean.
Class D: Thick oils, non-toxic but difficult to manage in spills.
Mazut
Mazut is a heavy, low-quality fuel oil used mainly for large industrial applications, such as generating power and heating in boilers. It’s commonly found in regions without access to facilities that can refine it into more usable fuels like diesel. In the United States and Western Europe, mazut is often further processed or blended to make diesel. However, in areas of the former USSR and parts of the Far East, mazut is sometimes used directly as a heating fuel.
Mazut-100, a specific type of mazut, is made to meet Russian GOST standards and is mostly produced in Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. It’s valued for its high energy output and is typically used in large boilers to produce steam. The quality of Mazut-100 mainly depends on its sulfur content. This fuel type is graded by sulfur levels: Very Low Sulfur (up to 0.5%), Low Sulfur (0.5–1%), Normal Sulfur (1–2%), and High Sulfur (2–3.5%). Higher sulfur content affects both the price and the environmental impact of the fuel. Very Low Sulfur mazut is in limited supply due to state quotas and high domestic demand, which makes it more expensive and harder to export.
The fuel’s properties come from the distillation process, where lighter products like gasoline and diesel are extracted from crude oil, leaving mazut as a byproduct. Mazut-100 has a density of 890–1,000 kg/m³ and a high energy content, ranging from 38 to 42 megajoules per kilogram, making it ideal for high-energy uses. The fuel is thick, with a viscosity level of 5°–15° at 50°C, which can affect how it’s transported and used. Additionally, its sulfur content varies between 0.8% and 3.5%, depending on the crude oil source.
Other similar types, like CST 180 and CST 380, differ in viscosity and are tailored for specific industrial needs. These types of fuel oils follow strict standards to ensure they’re suitable for various applications, such as in turbines and large boilers, where consistent and reliable fuel is essential.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), often called propane or butane, is a flammable hydrocarbon fuel used widely for heating, cooking, and in vehicles as an alternative fuel. LPG is derived as a by-product of crude oil refining and natural gas processing, offering substantial global reserves. It emits about 10% less CO₂ than gasoline in vehicles and produces far less nitrogen oxide (NOx) compared to diesel, though it doesn't significantly reduce CO₂ versus diesel.
LPG, initially gaseous, becomes liquid under moderate pressure or cooling, and is stored in pressurized containers. It consists mainly of propane and butane, with seasonal blends adjusting for propane in colder months. In the U.S., LPG grades like commercial propane and HD-5 have specific standards, and odorants like ethanethiol are added for leak detection. Due to its density, LPG is heavier than air, which can cause it to pool in low areas, posing risks of explosion or suffocation if inhaled in enclosed spaces.
LPG contributes about 3% of global energy use, burns cleanly with minimal pollutants, and is increasingly replacing harmful refrigerants. The global LPG market relies on transparent pricing systems, like Platts, to ensure consistency in this valuable alternative energy source.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state at around -260°F for efficient shipping and storage. This process reduces its volume by approximately 600 times, making it easier to transport over long distances where pipelines are not feasible. Developed in the 19th century, LNG is primarily used for shipping natural gas to regions without direct pipeline connections, and as a fuel for vehicles, power plants, and other applications.
LNG is typically transported in specially designed ships called LNG carriers, which are equipped with cryogenic tanks to maintain the low temperatures necessary to keep the gas in liquid form. Upon arrival at import terminals, the LNG is regasified and can be injected into pipelines for distribution. Smaller-scale LNG shipments are also becoming more common, using containers suited for truck or short-distance transport.
LNG has expanded markets for natural gas, particularly between producing countries and regions such as the U.S., Asia, and Europe. The United States has shifted from being an importer to a net exporter of LNG in recent years, due to increased natural gas production and the development of export terminals. In 2017, the U.S. exported LNG to 28 countries, with Mexico, South Korea, China, Japan, and Jordan being the top recipients.
LNG plays an important role in meeting energy demand, especially in areas with limited pipeline infrastructure or during peak usage periods. It is used not only for residential and industrial consumption but also as a transportation fuel in ships, trucks, and buses. The growth of LNG trade and infrastructure is expected to continue, further integrating global energy markets.
Petroleum Coke (Petcoke)
Petroleum coke, or petcoke, is a carbon-rich solid material derived from oil refining, produced through a process called "coking." During this process, heavy hydrocarbon fractions are heated in coker units, where they undergo thermal cracking, separating volatile elements and leaving behind solid carbon. Petcoke is often produced as a byproduct of synthetic crude oil production from sources like Canada’s oil sands and Venezuela's Orinoco belt.
Petcoke comes in two main grades: fuel-grade (high in sulfur and metals) and anode-grade (low in sulfur and metals). Fuel-grade petcoke, which has a higher sulfur content, is used for energy generation due to its high calorific value (around 8000 Kcal/kg). However, it emits more CO2 compared to coal, and its high sulfur levels require desulfurization technologies such as the SNOX process.
Anode-grade petcoke, created by further processing green coke in a calcining kiln, is used to manufacture anodes for the aluminum and steel industries due to its lower impurities. Variants of petcoke include needle coke, honeycomb coke, sponge coke, and shot coke, each with unique properties suited to specific industrial applications. Needle coke, for instance, is highly valued for producing electrodes, particularly in the steel and aluminum sectors.
In recent years, petcoke has also found application in gasification, offering a way to generate synthetic gas within refineries.
Bitumen (Asphalt)
Bitumen, also known as asphalt, is a sticky, black, viscous substance derived from petroleum, either found naturally or produced through refining. It’s primarily used (about 70%) in road construction as a binder mixed with aggregate particles to form asphalt concrete. Other applications include waterproofing products like roofing felt and sealing flat roofs.
In the U.S., “asphalt” generally refers to the refined form, while “bitumen” is the term used outside the U.S. and by geologists to describe natural deposits. Bitumen’s components include:
Naphthene aromatics – partially hydrogenated polycyclic compounds.
Polar aromatics – high molecular weight compounds, including oxidized phenols.
Saturated hydrocarbons – correlating with asphalt’s softening point.
Asphaltenes – high molecular weight phenols and heterocyclics.
Bitumen has sulfur content up to 4% and small amounts of nickel and vanadium. Soluble in carbon disulfide, it’s often modeled as a colloid, with asphaltenes as the dispersed phase and maltenes as the continuous phase.
Although bitumen resembles coal tar, they differ in origin; coal tar is derived from coal, while bitumen is from petroleum. Coal tar was once widely used in roads, giving rise to the term “tarmac.” However, bitumen has since replaced coal tar in most applications.
Naphtha
Petroleum naphtha is a hydrocarbon liquid from crude oil refining, CAS number 64742-48-9, typically desulfurized and catalytically reformed to produce high-octane gasoline components. Its properties vary by refinery and crude source. Derived from both crude oil and alternative sources like coal tar, shale, and wood, naphtha contains a mix of hydrocarbons with boiling points between 35 °C and 200 °C.
Refineries separate it into light and heavy streams: light naphtha (30–145 °C) and heavy naphtha (140–205 °C), with the latter usually catalytically reformed for gasoline. Specialty naphthas, purified for use as solvents, fuels, and other applications, are also produced. In petrochemicals, naphtha serves as a key feedstock for making hydrogen, ethylene, and olefins.
UREA 46
Description:
UREA 46 is a highly concentrated nitrogen fertilizer containing 46% nitrogen in amide form, providing an economical solution for nitrogen application.
Application:
Best suited for maize, root crops, and clay-rich soils. For optimal results and minimized ammonia loss, it should be incorporated directly into the soil.
Specifications:
Granule Size: 1.6–2.4 mm
Density: 0.705 t/m³
Color: White
Origin: Linz
Benefits:
High-quality granules ensure stability during storage and handling
Contains 46% nitrogen for efficient nutrient delivery
Effective nutrient diffusion through soil moisture
AdBlue DEF
AdBlue DEF is a high-purity urea solution patented by the German Association of the Automobile Industry (VDA), specifically formulated to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel engines. Unlike traditional fuel, AdBlue DEF is injected directly into the exhaust system, where it undergoes a chemical reaction with flue gases, converting NOx into harmless water and nitrogen. Although AdBlue DEF is not yet widely adopted in Indonesia due to the current Euro 2 diesel emission standards, it plays a crucial role in meeting stricter environmental regulations. At KVPL, we provide AdBlue DEF tailored to various vehicle requirements. For reservations and more information, please contact us through the details available on our website.
Ammonia gas (NH₃)
Ammonia gas (NH₃) is a versatile compound widely used in agriculture and industry. In agriculture, it is a primary nitrogen source for fertilizers like urea and ammonium nitrate, essential for plant growth. Industrially, ammonia is used to produce chemicals such as nitric acid and is also valued as an efficient refrigerant (R717) due to its energy-saving properties and low environmental impact. It serves as a neutralizing agent in water treatment, aids in producing textiles and plastics, and is being explored as an alternative fuel. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, a boiling point of -33.34°C, and a high solubility in water, forming ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH). Typically stored in pressurized, corrosion-resistant tanks due to its corrosive nature in moist conditions, ammonia has purity levels between 99.5% and 99.9% for industrial use. Safety is critical, as ammonia can be toxic and cause burns, necessitating ventilation and protective measures during handling.
