What is EN 590 diesel?
EN 590 is the European standard for automotive and commercial diesel fuel, established by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The standard defines strict requirements for fuel quality parameters including sulfur content, cetane number, density, viscosity, lubricity, flash point and cold flow properties.
The designation 10 ppm refers to the maximum allowed sulfur content — 10 parts per million (0.001% by weight). This ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is the cleanest commercially available diesel fuel and is required across the European Union, increasingly adopted in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
For international buyers, EN 590 diesel is the benchmark specification when sourcing diesel fuel for:
- Road transport — trucks, buses, passenger vehicles with Euro 5/6 engines
- Marine use — marine diesel oil (MDO) in emission control areas under IMO 2020
- Industrial applications — power generation, construction equipment, mining
- Re-export and trading — EN 590 is the most widely accepted specification in international diesel trade
Understanding the EN 590 standard is the first step before requesting commercial supply. For FOB, CIF and STS cargo terms, see EN 590 10 ppm supply terms and availability.
EN 590 specifications explained
The current European edition is EN 590:2025, which supersedes EN 590:2022. Values in the table are typical EN 590 reference requirements already used on this page; contractual specifications and seasonal limits such as CFPP must be confirmed for the destination market.
When checking a cargo against EN 590, the first test is whether the CoA covers the standard's key parameters:
| Parameter | Requirement | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfur content | ≤ 10 ppm | Emission compliance, engine protection |
| Cetane number | ≥ 51 | Combustion quality, cold start performance |
| Density at 15°C | 820–845 kg/m³ | Energy content, volumetric measurements |
| Flash point | ≥ 55°C | Storage and transport safety |
| Lubricity (HFRR) | ≤ 460 μm | Fuel pump and injector protection |
| Viscosity at 40°C | 2.0–4.5 mm²/s | Atomization and injection system compatibility |
| CFPP | Per climate grade | Cold weather operability |
| Water content | ≤ 200 mg/kg | Storage stability, microbial growth prevention |
A reputable EN 590 diesel supplier will provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for every shipment, issued by an independent inspection company (SGS, Saybolt, Bureau Veritas or similar). The CoA confirms that the loaded product meets all EN 590 parameters.
EN 590 10 ppm and sulfur requirements
The designation 10 ppm is the maximum sulfur content — 10 parts per million (0.001% by weight). That ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is the EN 590 requirement used in the EU and widely specified in international trade.
Sulfur is listed first in the table above because it is the compliance gate for Euro 5/6 road engines and for many import tenders. Other properties (cetane, density, flash point, HFRR, viscosity, CFPP, water) still have to match the contracted EN 590 grade and destination climate.
How to verify an EN 590 supplier
The international diesel market has many participants, from refineries and major trading houses to small intermediaries. Finding a trustworthy EN 590 diesel supplier requires careful evaluation. Here are the key criteria:
- Company registration and licensing — verify that the supplier is a registered company with a valid trading license. For suppliers based in the UAE, look for a valid free-zone or mainland trade license. Alghaf Marine FZCO is registered in Dubai.
- Allocated supply, not a broker chain — ask which origin and execution hub apply to the cargo, and whether the offer is allocated supply rather than an informal intermediary chain. Loading port and origin are separate facts.
- Contractual inspection procedure — a professional supplier states how quality and quantity will be certified for the contractual batch. Historical CoA or B/L from unrelated cargoes is not proof of a current stem.
- Clear commercial terms — a professional supplier states origin, execution hub, Incoterms (FOB, CIF or STS), pricing methodology (e.g. Platts-based for the relevant hub) and the transaction framework, not informal POP/LC procedures.
- Responsiveness — legitimate suppliers respond to inquiries within 24–48 hours with indicative pricing and workable commercial terms. Excessive delays or vague responses are red flags.
Buyer verification checklist
Before committing to a new diesel supplier, use this checklist to minimize risk:
- Verify company registration number and trading license (e.g. UAE trade license for Dubai)
- Check official corporate channels — registered address, website and published contact routes
- Confirm KYC/KYB and buyer qualification before treating any document as proof of a live cargo
- Ask how quality and quantity will be certified for the contractual batch (independent inspection at the SPA milestone)
- Do not treat historical CoA, SGS reports or Bills of Lading from unrelated cargoes as proof of a current stem
- Confirm origin and execution hub separately — a loading port is not proof of origin
- Confirm the delivery basis (FOB, CIF or STS) and that it matches the named hub
- Avoid PPOP/POP chains, LC/SBLC/DLC/TTT procedures and any request for upfront cash deposits or “processing fees”
For broker-chain red flags, see EN590 fake offer red flags and why Alghaf does not accept LC, SBLC, DLC or TTT.
Origin vs loading hub
EN590 supply is not limited to a single origin or loading port. Non-sanctioned origin options are available for selected cargo programs, with the applicable supply structure determined according to allocation, volume, destination and shipment window.
Loading location does not by itself determine product origin. Final origin, loading point, execution hub and delivery structure are confirmed for each transaction and stated in the applicable commercial offer and SPA.
Potential execution regions may include UAE / Fujairah, Mediterranean · Egypt, ARA, Southeast Asia / OPL, Black Sea and other approved transaction-specific locations. Novorossiysk may remain available for relevant Black Sea cargo programs but is not the exclusive loading point for EN590 supplied by ALGHAF MARINE FZCO.
For current commercial terms, see EN 590 10 ppm supply terms and availability.
FOB, CIF and STS
When buying EN 590 diesel internationally, three delivery bases may apply: FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) and STS (ship-to-ship). The available basis depends on cargo allocation, destination, volume, vessel requirements and shipment window.
FOB — transaction-specific loading point
Under FOB terms, the EN 590 diesel supplier delivers the product loaded onto the vessel at the confirmed loading point for that cargo program. From that point, the buyer assumes freight, insurance and discharge costs. The port is confirmed in the commercial offer and SPA; it is not a fixed Novorossiysk-only structure.
Best for: buyers handling their own freight, with established shipping relationships, who can work from the allocated hub.
CIF — nominated destination
CIF supply may be evaluated to the buyer’s nominated destination. Final pricing reflects origin, freight, insurance, destination, cargo size and shipment window. The buyer receives the diesel at the nominated port with freight and insurance included in the structure.
Best for: end-users and importers who want a landed-delivery structure rather than nominating their own vessel at the loading hub.
STS — approved locations
STS execution may be available at approved locations subject to cargo allocation, vessel compatibility, operational approvals and contractual conditions.
Best for: buyers whose operational plan requires ship-to-ship transfer rather than a terminal load or a CIF discharge.
For a detailed comparison, see our FOB vs CIF logistics guide.
Pricing
EN 590 diesel prices are not fixed — they fluctuate based on multiple market factors. Understanding these factors helps buyers negotiate better terms with their diesel supplier:
- Global crude oil prices — diesel is a refined product; its price tracks ICE Brent and other crude benchmarks
- Platts/Argus benchmark quotations — most international diesel contracts reference Platts or Argus quotations for the relevant hub, not a single Black Sea print
- Origin and execution hub — origin, loading point and route are transaction-specific and affect both compliance and freight
- Delivery basis — FOB, CIF and STS price differently because freight, insurance and operational costs sit in different places
- Destination port — freight rates vary significantly depending on distance, port congestion and canal fees (e.g. Suez Canal)
- Volume — larger parcels (e.g. Aframax, Suezmax) benefit from lower per-tonne freight economics
- Seasonal demand — diesel demand peaks in winter (heating) and during agricultural seasons
- Refinery margins — the diesel crack spread (difference between crude and diesel prices) affects supplier margins and willingness to sell
For current indicative pricing, contact Alghaf Marine FZCO via Telegram or email E-mail.
Documentation
The exact documentary package depends on origin, delivery basis, destination and requirements defined in the SPA. Typical documents include:
- Commercial Invoice — details of product, quantity, price and payment terms
- Bill of Lading (B/L) — transport document confirming loading and shipment details
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA) — independent lab analysis confirming EN 590 specification compliance for the contractual batch
- Quantity / Quality Inspection Report — independent measurement at the contractual milestone
- Certificate of Origin — where applicable; loading port is not itself proof of origin
- Insurance Certificate — where applicable under CIF
- Applicable export and shipping documentation
Cargo-specific CoA and inspection documentation relate to the specific contractual batch. Historical or unrelated reports are not presented as proof of a current cargo.
Markets
EN 590 Diesel Supplier for UAE & Middle East
The UAE is both a diesel import and re-distribution market and an execution hub. Buyers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah source EN 590 for power generation, construction, industrial use and regional re-export. Alghaf Marine FZCO, based in Dubai, can evaluate FOB, CIF and STS structures through UAE / Fujairah and other allocated hubs, subject to destination and shipment window.
EN 590 Diesel Supplier for India
India's diesel demand — driven by transport, mining, manufacturing and agriculture — makes it one of the world's largest import markets. Indian buyers typically require large parcel sizes, strict quality documentation and a workable CIF or STS structure to west-coast ports. The applicable origin and execution hub are confirmed for the individual cargo; they are not assumed as a single Black Sea load.
EN 590 Diesel Supplier for Turkey
Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and the Black Sea. Its position makes it both a consumer and a distribution market. FOB, CIF or STS may be evaluated according to allocation: Mediterranean · Egypt, Black Sea and other approved locations can apply. The hub is confirmed per cargo, not assumed as a single-port FOB load.
EN 590 Diesel Supplier for Africa
Growing African markets — Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal and others — increasingly require EN 590-grade diesel as they transition to cleaner fuel standards. CIF delivery to West and East African ports, or STS where operationally approved, provides buyers with a landed or transfer structure and predictable documentary milestones.
Why Buyers Choose Alghaf Marine FZCO as Their EN 590 Diesel Supplier
Alghaf Marine FZCO is a Dubai-based petroleum trading company supplying EN 590 diesel (ULSD 10 ppm) for international bulk transactions under FOB, CIF and STS terms. Non-sanctioned origin options are available for selected cargo programs. Supply is not limited to a single origin or loading port.
- FZCO-registered company in Dubai, UAE — regulated and transparent
- Non-sanctioned origin available on selected programs, subject to destination, allocation and compliance review
- Execution hubs — UAE / Fujairah, Mediterranean · Egypt, ARA, Southeast Asia / OPL, Black Sea and other approved transaction-specific locations
- FOB, CIF and STS — the basis is confirmed for the cargo, not a single-port FOB structure
- Documentation per SPA — CoA, B/L, commercial invoice and independent inspection at the contractual milestone
- From 5,000 MT — subject to delivery basis, destination, allocation and shipment window
- Qualification first — commercial indication follows buyer qualification and the Trading Portal framework
Ready to source EN 590 diesel?
Start qualification, then request a commercial indication. Specify volume (MT), delivery basis (FOB, CIF or STS), destination and shipment window.
FAQ
What is EN 590 diesel and why is it important for international buyers?
EN 590 is the European standard for diesel fuel, defining quality parameters including sulfur content (10 ppm max), cetane number (≥51), density and lubricity. It is the most widely accepted diesel specification in international trade and is required in the EU, many Middle East markets and marine emission control areas under IMO 2020.
Is non-sanctioned origin EN590 10 ppm available?
Yes. ALGHAF MARINE FZCO can offer non-sanctioned origin EN590 10 ppm for selected cargo programs and destinations, subject to allocation and transaction-specific compliance review. Loading location does not by itself determine product origin.
Which loading regions are available for EN590?
Available execution locations depend on allocation and the individual transaction and may include UAE / Fujairah, Mediterranean · Egypt, ARA, Southeast Asia / OPL, Black Sea and other approved locations. Novorossiysk may remain available for relevant Black Sea cargo programs but is not the exclusive loading point.
How do I verify that an EN 590 diesel supplier is legitimate?
Verify the legal identity of the contractual counterparty, official corporate channels, KYC/KYB information and the contractual inspection procedure. Do not treat historical CoA, SGS reports or Bills of Lading from unrelated cargoes as proof of a current stem. Avoid PPOP chains, LC/SBLC/DLC/TTT procedures and any request for upfront deposits or processing fees.
What is the difference between FOB, CIF and STS when buying diesel?
FOB means the seller delivers the product loaded at the confirmed loading point; the buyer arranges freight. CIF means the seller covers product, sea freight and insurance to the nominated destination. STS is ship-to-ship execution at approved locations. FOB, CIF and STS may be evaluated according to cargo allocation, destination, volume, vessel requirements and shipment window.
What factors affect EN 590 diesel pricing?
Key pricing factors include global crude oil prices, Platts/Argus quotations for the relevant hub, origin, delivery basis (FOB, CIF or STS), destination and freight, volume, seasonal demand and shipment window. Contact Alghaf Marine for a transaction-specific indication after qualification.
What is the minimum order quantity for EN 590 diesel?
EN590 enquiries are normally considered from 5,000 MT, subject to delivery basis, destination, allocation and shipment window.
How do I request an EN590 commercial quotation?
Provide the required volume, destination, delivery basis (FOB, CIF or STS), shipment window and buyer company details. Following qualification, ALGHAF MARINE FZCO can issue the applicable commercial indication or firm commercial offer.
Related EN 590 guides
Alghaf Marine FZCO — petroleum products for qualified bulk buyers. This article is for informational purposes. Indicative prices and commercial terms are provided upon request. © 2026 Alghaf Marine FZCO.