Farm Fuel Delivery: Keeping Agriculture Moving

Farm fuel delivery is a critical service in the agricultural industry, ensuring that farms have a steady and reliable supply of fuel to power machinery, equipment, and heating systems. As farms often operate in remote or rural locations, having fuel delivered directly to the site saves time, cuts costs, and helps maintain productivity, especially during peak planting and harvesting seasons.

What Is Farm Fuel Delivery?

Farm fuel delivery involves transporting bulk quantities of agricultural fuel—such as red diesel, kerosene, or renewable alternatives like HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)—to a farm’s on-site storage tanks. Fuel is delivered via road tankers by specialist suppliers and is stored in secure, often bunded, tanks to meet safety and environmental standards.

Types of Fuels Delivered

1. Red Diesel (Gas Oil)

   • The most widely used fuel in UK agriculture.

   • Tax-rebated and dyed red to indicate restricted use in off-road agricultural vehicles and machinery.

   • Powers tractors, combines, balers, sprayers, and generators.

2. Kerosene

   • Used for space heating in barns, greenhouses, and livestock housing.

   • Also used in grain dryers and similar agricultural heating systems.

3. HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)

   • A clean-burning, fossil-free alternative to diesel.

   • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%.

   • Gaining popularity among eco-conscious farms.

Benefits of Farm Fuel Delivery

• Convenience: Fuel is brought directly to the farm, eliminating the need to transport it manually or drive machinery off-site for refuelling.

• Efficiency: Refuelling can be done quickly on-site, keeping downtime to a minimum.

• Cost Savings: Bulk delivery often comes with discounted rates compared to small-scale purchases.

• Compliance: Professional delivery ensures safe handling and compliance with fuel storage regulations.

• Emergency Support: Many suppliers offer urgent or next-day delivery to avoid operational delays.

Choosing a Fuel Delivery Provider

When selecting a fuel supplier for your farm, consider:

• Coverage and Delivery Speed: Ensure the supplier covers your area and offers reliable, timely service.

• Product Range: Look for a supplier that offers multiple fuel options including red diesel, kerosene, and renewable fuels.

• Fuel Tank Supply and Installation: Many suppliers provide bunded tanks and monitoring systems.

• Support Services: Some providers offer fuel usage tracking, maintenance, and advice on improving fuel efficiency.

• Environmental Credentials: As sustainability becomes more important, suppliers offering renewable fuel alternatives are increasingly valuable.

Popular UK suppliers offering dedicated agricultural fuel delivery include Certas Energy, Watson Fuels, Crown Oil, Rix Petroleum, and NWF Fuels.

Conclusion

Farm fuel delivery is a lifeline for agricultural operations, enabling farmers to focus on production without worrying about fuel shortages. With a range of fuel types and services tailored to rural needs, modern delivery solutions are both cost-effective and efficient. As the industry evolves, farmers are also exploring greener fuels, making reliable fuel delivery more important than ever in ensuring a productive and sustainable farming future.