"D2" and "EN590" are two of the most frequently confused terms in diesel trading. Buyers often receive offers that use them interchangeably — sometimes innocently, sometimes as a smokescreen. Here is what each term actually means and why the distinction matters.
What EN590 is
EN590 is a modern European (CEN) standard for automotive diesel, with tightly defined limits for sulphur, cetane, density and cold-flow behaviour. When traded as "EN590 10ppm" it denotes ultra-low-sulphur diesel (ULSD). It is a precise, verifiable specification — you can hold a parcel against it and inspect the result.
What D2 is
"D2" (sometimes "Gasoil D2") is a legacy term rooted in the Russian/CIS GOST standards. Historically it referred to a straight-run gas oil with higher sulphur than modern ULSD. The problem is that "D2" is used loosely in online trading and rarely tied to a single, current specification. Two sellers quoting "D2" may mean materially different products.
The practical differences
| Attribute | EN590 10ppm | "D2" (legacy) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | EN 590 (CEN) | GOST-derived, loosely used |
| Sulphur | max 10 ppm (ULSD) | Often much higher |
| Specification clarity | Precise, verifiable | Variable, inconsistent |
| Market acceptance | Broad (ULSD markets) | Limited / regional |
Why the distinction protects you
If an offer flips between "D2", "gasoil" and "EN590" without a written specification, that is a signal to slow down and ask for the exact grade in writing. The safest path is to transact against a named standard (EN590 10ppm), confirmed by independent SGS inspection. For the full EN590 breakdown, see what is EN590 diesel 10ppm, and to purchase, our EN590 product page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just buy "D2" if I want cheap diesel?
Be careful. A low "D2" price often reflects an undefined or higher-sulphur product — or an offer that is not real. Insist on a written specification and independent inspection.
Which should I specify in my enquiry?
Specify EN590 10ppm (ULSD) with your Incoterm and destination port. It is verifiable and widely accepted. Send details via our contact page.