Russian agrarians may be offered to use diesel fuel with increased sulfur content and furnace fuel for agricultural machinery. The Ministry of Agriculture is studying the demand for such resources among regions to assess the possibility of supplying lower-quality but more affordable fuel amid difficulties in providing the market with diesel.
The agency's request was sent to the heads of regional agricultural management bodies. The Ministry of Agriculture asked to provide data on farms that are ready to purchase diesel with a sulfur content of 0.3% to 0.9%, as well as to determine the necessary fuel volumes by month.
This refers to fuel whose characteristics comply with older environmental standards. For comparison, modern Euro-5 diesel contains no more than 0.01% sulfur, while the proposed option is close to Euro-2 and Euro-3 levels.
The option under consideration could be a temporary solution for enterprises that use tractors and combines of previous generations. Such equipment is less demanding on fuel quality and can operate on resources with increased sulfur content.
However, modern agricultural machines with electronic injection systems, particulate filters, and high-pressure fuel equipment will not be able to use such fuel without the risk of damage. Increased sulfur content accelerates carbon deposit formation, leads to contamination of injectors, fuel pumps, and filters, and reduces engine life.
Interest in alternative fuels arose against the backdrop of difficulties in supplying the domestic market with petroleum products. Reduced oil refining volumes and disruptions in the operation of individual oil refining facilities have increased pressure on diesel supplies.