Diesel Fuel Vs Gasoline: Key Differences Every Business Should Know

We learned in our last blog post the differences between diesel and gas engines–particularly in how they ignite fuel to create power. But what about the fuel itself? While diesel fuel and gasoline may look similar at the pump, they’re actually quite different in their chemical composition, energy content, and performance characteristics. These differences are exactly why you can’t just swap one for the other. Let’s take a closer look at what sets diesel fuel and gasoline apart.

How Diesel Fuel and Gasoline Are Made

Both diesel fuel and gasoline are petroleum products made from crude oil, which is composed of hydrogen and carbon molecules. Crude oil is pumped from the ground and sent to a refinery, where it undergoes a distillation process. This is where diesel and gasoline begin to diverge.

During refining, crude oil is heated to over 400 degrees Celsius (752°F), turning the liquid into vapor. As the vapor cools, different petroleum products separate out at different temperatures—this is called fractional distillation. Heavier products like asphalt settle at the bottom. Diesel fuel condenses when the temperature drops to between 200 and 350 degrees Celsius (392-662°F).

Gasoline forms through a similar process but at different temperatures. It’s produced when vapors cool to around 150-200 degrees Celsius (302-392°F), condensing near the top of the distillation column alongside other lighter products like kerosene and natural gas. Gasoline also has additional chemicals and additives mixed in to prevent engine deposits and reduce knocking.

Key Differences Between Diesel and Gasoline

• Energy Density: Diesel fuel is thicker, heavier, and denser than gasoline. It contains approximately 10-15% more energy per gallon, which means diesel engines can travel farther on the same amount of fuel. This higher energy density is why diesel delivers better fuel economy.
• Evaporation Rate: Because diesel is heavier, it evaporates much more slowly than gasoline. This makes it safer to store and handle, but it also means diesel engines need higher compression to ignite the fuel.
• Efficiency: Less diesel fuel is needed to accomplish the same amount of work as gasoline. Combined with its higher energy content, this makes diesel significantly more efficient for heavy-duty applications.
• Cost: While diesel fuel prices fluctuate, diesel typically costs slightly more per gallon than gasoline. However, the superior fuel economy often offsets this difference, especially for commercial operations.

Which Fuel Is Right for Your Business?

For businesses running fleets, operating heavy equipment, or relying on backup generators, diesel fuel is typically the smarter investment. The higher energy density means your vehicles go farther on each gallon, your equipment runs longer, and you spend less time refueling.

Diesel’s efficiency becomes even more pronounced with heavy loads and long distances—exactly the conditions most commercial operations face daily. If your business depends on reliable, cost-effective fuel for trucks, construction equipment, or industrial generators, diesel delivers better value over time.

Contact OilWorks for Bulk Diesel and Gas Delivery

Understanding the difference between diesel and gasoline is just the first step—having a reliable fuel supplier is what keeps your business running. OilWorks provides dependable diesel fuel delivery for businesses in Central Ohio, ensuring your fleet and equipment always have the fuel they need. We also supply motor oil, antifreeze, and other lubricants to keep your operation running smoothly. Contact us today for a free quote on our fuel delivery services!