Clean Fuels 2 (CF2) is South Africa’s programme to bring local fuel specifications closer to international standards. It is designed to reduce harmful emissions and enable the use of modern engine technology.
What changes
CF2 tightens a number of fuel specifications. The most widely discussed are:
- a maximum sulphur content of 10 mg/kg (10ppm) for petrol and diesel;
- a maximum benzene content of 1% by volume in petrol;
- tighter limits on aromatics and other properties.
The timeline
CF2 implementation has been postponed more than once, largely because of the investment refineries need to meet the new standards. The most recently published implementation date is 1 July 2027. Because dates have shifted before, buyers should confirm the current position with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources before making plans.
What it means in practice
- Modern fleets designed for low-sulphur fuel will benefit from more consistent fuel quality.
- Older equipment is generally compatible with lower-sulphur fuel, but lubricity and seal compatibility are worth confirming with manufacturers.
- Cost. Higher-specification fuel costs more to produce. As 50ppm diesel is phased out, the price gap between grades disappears.
Preparing
Review your fleet and plant against manufacturer fuel specifications, and discuss forward supply arrangements with your supplier. Read Diesel 50ppm vs 10ppm for more on grades.
Source: SGS, “South Africa delays new fuel specifications to July 2027”.
Published by African Energy Enterprises. This article is general information and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice. Regulated prices and rules change; confirm current figures with the relevant authority.
