The Question Every Fleet Manager Asks
Can I switch my fleet to biodiesel without replacing vehicles, modifying engines, or disrupting operations? The short answer is yes. Biodiesel is one of the few renewable fuel options that can be deployed as a direct drop-in replacement for conventional diesel, requiring no engine modifications, no new infrastructure, and no retraining of drivers.
For fleet operators across the UAE — from logistics and delivery companies to construction firms and hospitality transport providers — biodiesel offers an immediate, practical pathway to reduced emissions. Here is what you need to know.
Understanding Biodiesel Blends
Biodiesel is available in a range of blend ratios, each designated by a ‘B’ number that indicates the percentage of biodiesel in the mix. B5 contains 5% biodiesel and 95% conventional diesel, delivering modest but measurable emissions reductions of approximately 4%. B20 blends 20% biodiesel with 80% fossil diesel, reducing emissions by roughly 16–20%. B100 is pure biodiesel, achieving up to 86% lifecycle greenhouse gas reduction compared to conventional diesel.
All biodiesel blends produced by Neutral Fuels meet three international quality standards: EN 14214 (European), ASTM D6751 (American), and UAE.S 5023 (UAE national standard). This triple certification means our fuel is compatible with any diesel engine manufactured to standard specifications.
What About Engine Warranties and Performance?
Modern diesel engines are designed to operate on biodiesel blends. Most major manufacturers — including Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, MAN, and Scania — approve the use of B5 to B20 blends, with many supporting higher blends. For B100 applications, engine compatibility should be confirmed with the manufacturer, though most engines manufactured after 2007 can run on pure biodiesel without issues.
Performance characteristics of biodiesel are comparable to conventional diesel. Biodiesel has a higher cetane number (a measure of combustion quality), which can result in smoother, quieter engine operation. Its superior lubricity reduces engine wear and can extend the life of fuel injection systems. Studies conducted by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have confirmed that vehicles running on biodiesel achieve comparable or improved mileage.
The Economics
Biodiesel pricing in the UAE is competitive with conventional diesel, and the total cost of transition is minimal because no capital expenditure on new vehicles or infrastructure is required. The fuel can be delivered directly to your depot or site, and used in existing storage tanks and fuelling systems.
Beyond direct fuel costs, there are additional economic benefits to consider. Green certificates documenting your fleet’s carbon reduction support ESG reporting requirements — increasingly important under the UAE’s Federal Climate Law. Reduced engine wear from biodiesel’s superior lubricity can lower long-term maintenance costs. And for companies bidding on government contracts or working with sustainability-conscious clients, a documented biodiesel programme can be a competitive differentiator.
How the Transition Works in Practice
Switching to biodiesel with Neutral Fuels is operationally straightforward. We begin with a consultation to assess your fleet size, fuel consumption, and operational requirements. Based on this assessment, we recommend an appropriate blend ratio — many operators start with B20 and scale up as they gain confidence in the fuel’s performance.
Fuel delivery is scheduled to match your operational needs, with our tankers delivering directly to your site. Our biodiesel is produced locally from UCO collected across our UAE network, meaning supply is consistent and not subject to the international commodity price volatility that affects imported fuels.
Every delivery is documented, and you receive regular reports showing fuel volumes, blend ratios, and associated CO2e reductions — data that feeds directly into your sustainability reporting.
Real-World Adoption
Biodiesel is already in use across major UAE operations. Neutral Fuels’ biodiesel powers delivery fleets, construction equipment, backup generators, and marine vessels. Our own collection trucks run on the same biodiesel we produce — a closed-loop demonstration of the circular economy in action.
With over 40 million litres of annual production capacity and a collection network spanning the UAE, we have the scale to support fleet transitions of any size. Explore our biodiesel products or get in touch to start your transition.
