Differences between Heating Oil and Diesel Oil

Heating oil and diesel oil differ in composition, purpose, and tax regulations. Generally, this fuel can be classified as a solid fuel, appearing as a dark brown liquid produced during the refining process of crude oil. Heating oil is intended for heating buildings, industrial materials, and as fuel in technological processes, and is therefore subject to a lower excise tax rate, making it cheaper than diesel oil. However, to prevent the illegal use of heating oil as vehicle fuel, it is dyed and chemically marked.

Heating oil comes in several variants, differing in chemical composition and production method:

• Light heating oil – the most commonly chosen type, characterized by low viscosity and moderate calorific value, making it popular for heating homes.
• Heavy heating oil – has a higher calorific value, but also greater viscosity and contains more sulfur, which means it is mainly used in industry where intensive heating is required.

In Poland, the use of heating oil as fuel is illegal and is associated with severe financial sanctions.

Diesel oil is exempt from these requirements and is available at every gas station.