Diesel EN590 vs AGO vs D6: Understanding the Key Differences

If you’re sourcing diesel products, you’ve likely seen terms like EN590, AGO, and D6. But what do these grades actually mean?

This guide will help you:

• Understand each diesel grade and its use case
• Know where each is commonly supplied and stored
• Learn how pricing and specifications differ
• Avoid confusion when negotiating contracts

EN590 Diesel 10ppm

What it is:

• EN590 is the European standard for automotive diesel fuel, widely used in modern vehicles.
• 10ppm sulfur (ultra-low sulfur diesel) for compliance with Euro 5/Euro 6 emission standards.

Who uses it:

• Road vehicles, light commercial transport, and industrial machinery requiring low-sulfur fuel.

Where it’s lifted:

• Rotterdam, Fujairah, Houston, Jurong terminals

Pricing:

• Indexed to Platts Diesel 10ppm FOB Rotterdam + premium

Automotive Gasoil (AGO)

What it is:

• Middle distillate fuel similar to EN590 but less stringent on sulfur levels.
• Widely used in Africa, Middle East, and Asian markets where emissions standards are less strict.

Who uses it:

• Trucks, buses, generators, construction machinery

Where it’s lifted:

• Often from Fujairah and African ports, sometimes Rotterdam

Pricing:

• Indexed to Platts Gasoil 500ppm or regional gasoil indexes

Diesel D6 (Virgin Fuel Oil)

What it is:

• A heavy residual fuel oil, not suitable for modern diesel engines.
• Known as “Bunker fuel” or “No. 6 fuel oil.”
• High viscosity, must be preheated before use.

Who uses it:

• Power plants, marine vessels, and heavy industrial boilers

Where it’s lifted:

• Typically Houston, Rotterdam, and Caribbean terminals

Pricing:

• Indexed to Platts Fuel Oil 3.5% sulfur or residual fuel benchmarks

Why Buyers Confuse These Diesel Grades

Many intermediaries use “diesel” loosely without specifying grade or purpose. For example:

• EN590 cannot replace D6 in a power plant.
• D6 cannot be used in a modern diesel truck.
• AGO is cheaper but might not meet environmental standards.

This confusion leads to wrong product orders, regulatory problems, and financial loss.

How to Ensure You’re Buying the Right Diesel

1. Clarify the end use – automotive, power generation, industrial?
2. Request full specs before contract (density, sulfur, cetane, viscosity).
3. Ask for SGS Q&Q report at the terminal.
4. Verify the lifting terminal – Rotterdam, Fujairah, Houston supply different grades.

How Saurin Inc Helps

We source EN590, AGO, and D6 diesel grades directly from refinery-backed allocations and bonded terminals.

• ✅ Clear product specs to avoid confusion
• ✅ POP (Proof of Product) before title transfer
• ✅ FOB & CIF logistics solutions
• ✅ ICC-compliant SBLC, LC, or escrow banking

Looking for Diesel Supply?

📧 sam@saurininc.com
📱 +1 706 587 6182 (WhatsApp)