Gas oil is a petroleum distillate that is a heavier product than gasoline and is often used as a fuel for diesel engines. It is also known as diesel fuel, diesel oil, and heating oil. Gas oil is typically obtained from the refining of crude oil, and is used for a variety of applications including transportation, power generation, heating, and industrial processes. In some countries, it is also used as a cooking fuel. Gas oil can be classified into several grades based on its sulfur content, with low-sulfur diesel being a more environmentally friendly option.
The quality of gas oil is regulated by various national and international standards. The most widely used standards for gas oil are EN 590, ASTM D975, and ISO 8217. These standards specify the physical and chemical properties of gas oil, including its density, viscosity, flash point, sulfur content, and cetane number. The sulfur content is an important property because it affects the emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM) from diesel engines. In many countries, regulations limit the sulfur content in gas oil to reduce air pollution.