History of Diesel fuel in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 18, 2026

Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines, where ignition occurs through air compression and fuel injection, eliminating the need for a spark. Its key characteristic is good compression ignition.

1900: Diesel engine exhibited at Paris Exposition

In 1900, the French Otto society built a Diesel engine for use with crude oil, which was exhibited at the 1900 Paris Exposition. The engine actually ran on peanut oil instead of crude oil, and no modifications were necessary for peanut oil operation.

1911: Diesel engine exhibited at the World's Fair in Paris

In 1911, the French Otto society's Diesel engine was exhibited at the 1911 World's Fair in Paris.

1993: DIN 51601 standard rendered obsolete by EN 590

In 1993, the DIN 51601 was rendered obsolete by the new EN 590 standard, which has been used in the European Union ever since.

2000: Diesel fuel sulfur content reduction

By 2000, diesel fuel specifications allowed a maximum sulfur content of 350 ppm with the introduction of Euro 3 specifications.

2006: Introduction of Euro 4 specifications

In 2006, the Euro 4 specifications were introduced, lowering the sulfur content in diesel fuel to 50 ppm (ULSD, Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel).

2006: Transition to ULSD starting in the United States

In 2006, the United States started transitioning to Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) with more stringent emission standards.

2009: Introduction of Euro 5 specifications

In 2009, the Euro 5 standard for diesel fuel came into force in Europe, with a maximum sulfur content of 10 ppm.

June 1, 2010: ULSD becomes mandatory in the United States

On June 1, 2010, the use of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) became mandatory in the United States.

2016: Availability of Ultra-low-sulfur diesel

As of 2016, almost all petroleum-based diesel fuel available in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and North America is of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) type.