EN590 Diesel Fuel Specs: Density, Properties, Prices & SGS Reports

If you’re in the business of exporting, supplying, or using diesel fuel, understanding diesel fuel specifications is essential. EN590 diesel, a European standard, is widely recognized globally for its quality, consistency, and compliance with environmental standards. Whether you’re managing industrial machinery, transportation fleets, or trading diesel internationally, knowing its density, key properties, price trends, and SGS certifications can help you save money, avoid engine issues, and ensure compliance with global buyers.

In this guide, we’ll explain EN590 diesel in simple terms, with practical insights that help your business make informed decisions without getting lost in technical jargon.

What Are Diesel Fuel Specifications?

Diesel fuel specifications describe the quality, performance, and safety of the fuel. EN590 diesel is tested to meet European standards, ensuring smooth engine performance, durability, and lower emissions.

Key specifications include:

1. Cetane Number: Typically 51 or higher. A higher cetane number ensures faster ignition, smoother combustion, and improved engine efficiency.
2. Sulfur Content: Less than 10 ppm. This low sulfur content makes the fuel environmentally friendly and safe for modern diesel engines.
3. Viscosity: Determines how easily fuel flows through pipes and injectors. Correct viscosity ensures consistent engine operation.
4. Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP): Indicates how the fuel performs in cold weather, which is important for global transport and storage.

By checking these specifications, businesses can ensure that diesel works efficiently in their engines and meets international trade standards.

Diesel Fuel Density: Why It Matters

Diesel fuel density is the weight of fuel per unit volume, usually measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). For EN590 diesel, density typically ranges from 820 to 845 kg/m³ at 15°C.

Why it matters:

Higher density means more energy per liter, improving fuel efficiency and engine performance. For exporters, density affects shipping calculations and pricing. Fuel is often sold by volume or weight, so knowing the exact density helps avoid errors.

Using fuel outside recommended density ranges can reduce engine performance and increase maintenance costs.

Monitoring diesel density ensures your fuel delivers reliable performance and cost efficiency.

Diesel Oil Properties You Should Know

Diesel oil properties determine how the fuel behaves during use and storage. EN590 diesel has several important characteristics:

1. Flash Point: Around 55–60°C, ensuring safe handling and storage.
2. Viscosity: 2-4.5 mm²/s at 40°C, which allows smooth flow through fuel systems.
3. Sulfur Content: <10 ppm, helping reduce emissions and protect engines.
4. Cetane Number: 51+, ensuring efficient combustion and lower smoke emissions.

Knowing these properties helps you select high-quality diesel, minimize engine wear, and avoid costly downtime. For businesses storing diesel for longer periods, properties like flash point and viscosity are especially important to maintain fuel stability.

Storage and Handling Tips

Proper storage and handling of EN590 diesel are just as important as buying quality fuel. Poor storage can degrade fuel, reduce performance, and even damage engines. Here are practical tips to ensure your diesel stays in top condition:

1. Storage Temperature: Keep diesel in a cool, dry place. Temperatures above 30°C can accelerate fuel degradation, while extreme cold may cause wax formation.
2. Tank Material: Use tanks made of materials compatible with diesel, such as steel or approved plastic. Avoid corrosion or leaching that can contaminate fuel.
3. Shelf Life: EN590 diesel generally has a shelf life of 6–12 months under proper storage conditions. Rotate stock to use older fuel first.
4. Prevent Contamination: Always keep tanks sealed to prevent water, dirt, and microbes from entering. Contaminated diesel can clog filters and reduce engine efficiency.
5. Regular Maintenance: Clean tanks periodically and inspect for rust or sediment buildup. Use fuel additives if necessary to improve stability.

By following these storage and handling tips, businesses can maximize fuel life, maintain engine performance, and reduce costly downtime. This actionable advice is especially useful for exporters, industrial buyers, and fleet managers who store diesel in bulk.

EN590 Price Chart: Understanding Market Trends

The EN590 price chart shows how diesel prices fluctuate based on crude oil rates, refining costs, and demand.

For example, 

1. EN590 diesel prices in Europe during late 2025 experienced regular fluctuations due to changes in global oil markets, seasonal demand, and regional energy policies.
2. Bulk buyers may get discounts depending on contract size, density, and sulfur content.

Keeping track of price trends helps exporters, suppliers, and industrial buyers plan purchases, negotiate better deals, and manage budgets efficiently. 

Access to accurate market data from trusted sources like ExportersWorlds can prevent overpaying and optimize procurement strategies.

SGS Report EN590: Ensuring Quality

An SGS report acts as a quality certificate for diesel fuel. It confirms that EN590 diesel meets international standards and is safe for engines, storage, and trade.

An SGS report typically includes:

1. Verification of sulfur content (<10 ppm)
2. Measurement of cetane number
3. Density and viscosity checks
4. Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) tests
5. Overall compliance with EN590 standards

Using SGS-certified diesel helps businesses avoid counterfeit fuel, ensures international compliance, and protects machinery from damage. Many importers and large-scale consumers require SGS reports before accepting shipments.

Global Applications of EN590 Diesel

EN590 diesel isn’t just a European standard; it’s a globally trusted fuel used in a wide range of industries. Understanding where and how it’s applied helps you see its practical relevance and why businesses rely on it worldwide.

Some of the most common applications include

1. Shipping fleets, trucks, and buses: EN590 diesel ensures smooth, efficient performance for long-distance transport, reducing engine wear and maintenance costs.
2. Industrial machinery and generators: Many factories and construction companies use EN590 diesel in heavy equipment and backup generators because of its reliability and consistent energy output.
3. Agricultural equipment: Tractors, harvesters, and irrigation machinery run efficiently on EN590 diesel, especially in regions where fuel quality can vary.

By understanding these applications, businesses can better plan procurement, storage, and usage and ensure their engines and equipment perform optimally. For exporters and suppliers, it also highlights why EN590 diesel is a preferred choice in international trade.

Case Study: EN590 Diesel in Action

A shipping company importing diesel from Europe to Africa relied on EN590 diesel with SGS certification. The results:

1. Engine maintenance costs dropped by 12%
2. Fuel-related breakdowns were significantly reduced
3. Compliance with local environmental regulations was achieved easily

This example demonstrates how understanding diesel fuel specifications and verifying quality through SGS reports can directly improve efficiency and reduce operational risks.

Practical Tips for Businesses

1. Always request an SGS report before importing diesel.
2. Check density and viscosity to ensure compatibility with engines.
3. Monitor market prices to get the best deals.
4. Store diesel in proper conditions to maintain stability and safety.
5. Partner with reputable suppliers to avoid low-quality fuel.

Following these steps helps reduce risks and ensures smooth operations for exporters, manufacturers, and industrial users.

Conclusion

Understanding diesel fuel specifications is essential for businesses buying, exporting, or using diesel. From diesel fuel density and diesel oil properties to EN590 price trends and SGS verification, knowing these details saves money, prevents engine problems, and ensures compliance globally.

At ExportersWorlds, we connect you with trusted EN590 diesel suppliers and provide accurate market insights. With the right information, you can source high-quality diesel confidently and keep your operations running efficiently and smoothly.

10 FAQs About EN590 Diesel Fuel

1. What is EN590 diesel?
A European standard for high-quality diesel fuel.

2. Why is diesel fuel density important?
It affects energy content, engine performance, and shipping weight.

3. What are the main diesel oil properties?
Cetane number, viscosity, flash point, sulfur content, and cold filter plugging point.

4. How often should diesel be tested?
Before shipment and periodically in storage to ensure quality.

5. What is an SGS EN590 report?
A third-party certification that confirms diesel meets EN590 standards.

6. Can EN590 diesel be used worldwide?
Yes, but check local climate and engine requirements.

7. What affects the EN590 price?
Crude oil, refining costs, demand, and bulk orders.

8. How does sulfur content impact diesel?
Lower sulfur reduces emissions and engine wear.

9. What is the minimum cetane number?
EN590 diesel usually has 51+, for smooth combustion.

10. How can exporters ensure diesel compliance?
Request SGS reports, check specifications, and source from trusted suppliers.