Blue diesel, also known as ‘agricultural diesel’ or ‘reduced-duty diesel’, is a type of diesel fuel used for specific purposes such as agriculture, forestry and other sectors working outdoors. It differs from regular diesel in its lower price, due to the lower taxes applied to it.
In Croatia, blue diesel has a specific colour marking that makes it easy to identify. Users must be registered to use it, and its use is strictly regulated to prevent misuse.
How is blue diesel used?
Blue diesel can be used in various types of vehicles and machinery used in agriculture and forestry. Croatian law allows this fuel to be used in vehicles and machinery registered for that purpose. For example, tractors, combine harvesters and forestry tractors can use it for their work, and the price for these users is considerably lower than for regular diesel.
However, it is important to note that it is strictly prohibited in ordinary road vehicles. Anyone caught using blue diesel in a vehicle not intended for it faces heavy fines, including repayment of the taxes avoided and further penalties.
Advantages of blue diesel
- Lower tax: the biggest advantage is the lower price thanks to reduced tax, which is a significant saving for farmers and other sectors using vehicles and machinery outdoors.
- Low price: thanks to the lower tax, it can cost up to 40% less than regular diesel, making this fuel extremely cost-effective for specific industries.
- Environmental aspect: although it is used for specific purposes, it still has to meet environmental standards, and its impact on the environment can be reduced by using modern, more efficient machinery.
Legal provisions in Croatia
In Croatia, blue diesel is regulated by the Excise Duties Act (Zakon o trošarinama). Under current law, users must be registered to use it. Registration makes it possible to monitor fuel consumption and ensure it is used only for agriculture, forestry and other permitted activities. Breaking these rules can lead to heavy fines.
Frequently asked questions
It can be used by farmers, foresters and other sectors working outdoors whose machinery and vehicles are registered to use this fuel.
No, this fuel is intended only for specific types of vehicles and machinery, such as tractors and combine harvesters. Using it in passenger cars can lead to heavy fines.
It is recognisable by the characteristic blue colour added to it by regulation, which makes it easier to monitor and control.