All oil distributors in the country will have to provide new cleaner and safer diesel from July 1st this year, as there are changes to the trade standards order for national diesel standards.

The Commerce Ministry confirmed that as per the new order, sulphur content will have to be lowered from 5000 to 500 part per million, which means diesel will contain no more than 500 part per million sulphur.

The implementation date for the minimum standards is by July 1st, 2009 and all sales from wholesalers, distributors and retailers to end user customers, should have no more than 500 part per million sulphur.

The Ministry said this will ensure first and foremost a cleaner environment as the lower sulphur diesel will assist in reducing harmful exhaust emissions and result in improved vehicle performance.