Diesel oil is the most used fuel in Brazil, this petroleum derivative is mainly formed by hydrocarbons (carbon and hydrogen) and also contains sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen. The process that allows obtaining diesel oil through petroleum is known as fractional distillation, the fraction corresponding to the fuel is removed at a temperature between 260°C and 340°C.
Diesel, as it is called, is the fuel that drives large machines and engines, such as: trucks, tractors, vans, buses, marine vessels, locomotives, etc. But the use doesn't stop there, see the percentage for each sector: the transport sector, mentioned above, represents more than 75% of the total consumed, the sector agriculture represents about 16% of consumption and transformation (which uses diesel to generate electricity) corresponds to about 5% of consumption total.
Now that we know what diesel oil is about, let's talk about the quality of this fuel. Did you know that the largest diesel production takes place in Brazil? And that the product is one of the best on the market? But when Brazilians refuel their vehicle, they do not have the privilege of enjoying this national grandeur. Diesel sold in Brazil is one of the worst in the world, but why does Brazil produce the best but consume the worst? Anything to keep up appearances.
The biggest concern regarding the use of diesel concerns the transport sector (higher utilization rate). Sulfur (S) present in the composition of diesel oil is responsible for the increase in atmospheric pollution, it supplies vehicles such as urban transport buses. According to Greenpeace (in front of civil society organizations), the fuel with the highest sulfur index is sold here, not abroad.
Diesel with superior quality is marketed in Europe and the USA, so we maintain the “pose” and the country continues to be known as one of the largest exporters of this fuel in the world.
By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/diesel-consumo-brasileiro-um-dos-piores-mundo.htm