2018/0544/F
EC/EFTA
FR France
  • N40E - Produits pétroliers
2019-01-31
2018-11-06

Domestic fuel oil

Order on the reduction of the sulphur content of domestic fuel oil

The French authorities wish to lower the maximum sulphur content of domestic fuel oil from 0.10 % (m/m) (or 1 000 ppm) to 0.005 % (m/m) (or 50 ppm). It refers to domestic fuel oil produced or introduced onto the French national market from 1 January 2024.

The reduction in the sulphur content of domestic fuel oil is one of the measures of the national plan to reduce atmospheric pollutant emissions [PRÉPA] adopted pursuant to Article 6 of Directive (EU) 2016/2284. This reduction is necessary for reducing SO2 emissions in proportions that conform with France’s commitments for 2030.

Between 2005 and 2015, the energy conversion industry has already reduced its SO2 emissions by 78 %. This is a decrease of 55 % for the residential/tertiary sector, resulting from the reduction in the consumption of domestic fuel oil.

The reduction of the sulphur content in fuel and combustibles is an established and continuing fundamental trend, including in other sectors such as marine fuels. The level of sulphur of domestic fuel oil has decreased six times in France since 1960. Obtaining a level of 50 ppm does not pose any particular technical difficulty: the maximum content of diesel fuel is 10 ppm. Moreover, the sales volume of diesel is well above the sales volume of domestic fuel oil.