Sasol brings 10ppm diesel to Cape ahead of 2027 deadline

Sasol is expanding its 10ppm diesel offering to 20 new sites in the Western Cape. Called Turbodiesel ULS 10ppm, it will soon replace 50ppm diesel ahead of the Cleaner Fuels Two (CF2) deadline slated for some time in 2027. The fuel has already been available in Gauteng for some time, and in KwaZulu-Natal since 2024

As such, the grade contains no more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur. Sasol says it is designed for modern turbodiesel engine technology with advanced exhaust after-treatment systems. “The rollout gives more customers access to a high-quality fuel option designed to support cleaner engine performance,” said the South African energy company.

ROLLOUT 10PPM DIESEL FUEL

It’s all part of a wider shift under CF2, which says both petrol and diesel fuels must contain no more than 10ppm sulphur from 1 July 2027. Currently, the lowest standard is 50ppm. And 500ppm diesel is still available on forecourts, mostly aimed at commercial applications.

CF2 limits benzene to 1% and aromatics to 35%, aligning with US/Euro standards. Diesel also emits nitrogen oxides and fine particles that worsen air quality and can cause respiratory problems, which is all part of the environmental case for CF2.

Nevertheless, the date for 10ppm diesel regulations has slipped before. CF2 was first slated for 2017, then again in 2023. Sasol says it has invested billions in refinery upgrades, which is no mean feat considering the country’s shrinking refining capacity and growing import reliance.

IS LOW-SULPHUR 10PPM DIESEL BETTER FOR YOUR CAR?

But here’s the part we’re curious about. Is low-sulphur 10ppm diesel actually better for your car? Well, it all depends on your turbodiesel engine:

500ppm diesel

• Pros: Cheapest, and fine for older, simpler diesel engines.
• Cons: Not suitable for diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and modern exhaust systems. Produces more particulates, forms corrosive sulphuric acid in the engine.

50ppm diesel

• Pros: Widely available, accepted by most diesel vehicles on the road.
• Cons: Still not ideal for new engines. Many Euro 5-type models aren’t sold in South Africa because of concerns over fuel quality.

10ppm diesel

• Pros: Best for DPF and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. Fewer emissions and less acid corrosion. Most diesel engines made after 2007 can run it.
• Cons: Costs more per litre, for older diesel engines the benefit will be marginal.

THE VERDICT

Therefore, if you drive a modern diesel with a DPF and catalytic converter, 10ppm diesel is in fact the grade your engine was designed for. If you drive an older mechanical diesel, 50ppm is fine, and 10ppm won’t hurt it. And if you’re on the fence, from mid-2027, the choice will largely disappear, as the latter becomes the standard everywhere.

But what do you think? Have you converted to 10ppm diesel recently? Do you have any practical feedback on how your turbodiesel drives since the switch? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …