Afghanistan Implements New Diesel Import Standard Effective July 1, 2025

Kabul, Afghanistan – July 28, 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce officially implemented a new national diesel fuel import standard, aimed at improving fuel quality, reducing harmful emissions, and aligning with regional environmental and performance benchmarks.

• Read About Previous Regulation Here

The updated regulation introduces strict limits on sulfur content, aromatics, and combustion properties of imported diesel fuel. This move comes as part of Afghanistan’s broader effort to modernize its fuel infrastructure and reduce dependence on poor-quality fuels that have long affected engine performance, air quality, and public health.

Key Specifications of the New Afghan Diesel Norm (Effective 01.07.2025)

The newly enforced diesel norm mandates the following key parameters:

• Sulfur content must not exceed 2000 ppm

• Cetane Index minimum: 51, for improved combustion efficiency

• Density @ 15°C: 0.820-0.860 g/ccm

• Viscosity @ 40°C: 1.8-6 cSt

• Flash Point: Minimum 62°C

• Distillation 10% :  180-230°C

• Distillation 96% :  365°C

• Distillation Residue: Max 2%

• Color: Must be light yellow, clear & bright (1a)

• Free Water: 200 Mg/Kg

• CFPP: MAX-10°C

These standards are closely aligned with regional norms such as EN590 and serve both performance and environmental goals.

Oilload’s Diesel: Fully Compliant & Regionally Produced

In anticipation of this regulatory change, Oilload, a leading fuel solutions provider in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has successfully developed and now produces diesel that meets all requirements of Afghanistan’s 2025 norm.

Oilload’s diesel is refined and blended to achieve:

• Sulfur content of 1500 ppm to 2000 ppm

• High ignition quality with a Cetane Index of 51

• Controlled aromatics and improved combustion cleanliness

• Excellent stability, low residue, and superior distillation profile

The company operates out of Sulaimaniyah and Erbil, with optimized logistics channels to supply Northern and Central Afghanistan via Aqina and Hairatan border crossings.

🛢 New Afghanistan Diesel Standard – Key Specifications

The Afghanistan new standard for diesel imports sets the following fuel quality parameters, applicable to all importers and distributors operating in the country:

Afghanistan New Diesel Analysis – by Oilload

Test Standards and Results for 1500ppm -  Produced by Oilload

Click Here To Download Afghanistan New Approved Diesel Analysis 

🔧 Oilload – Kurdistan, Iraq-Based Diesel Producer Supplying 2000 ppm Standard Diesel for Afghanistan

To meet the growing demand for compliant fuel, Oilload, a specialized oil and fuel distributor based in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has adapted its refining and blending operations to produce diesel matching the Afghan Norm for Diesel (2000 ppm sulfur content).

✅ Key Benefits of Oilload's Diesel (2000 ppm):

• Produced in Erbil and Sulaimaniyah, with strategic supply routes to Afghanistan

• Regular gasoil analysis and certification to meet Afghan standard compliance

• Low aromatics and high cetane index (58) for superior combustion

• Cleaner emissions and longer engine protection

• Tailored supply via Hairatan and Aqina border crossings

By focusing on Kurdistan Diesel 2000 ppm grade production, Oilload ensures Afghan fuel importers, logistics companies, and government contractors receive diesel that adheres strictly to the Afghanistan Diesel Standard – offering reliability, regulatory safety, and better performance.

🌍 Regional Context and Environmental Significance

The newly adopted Afghan diesel standard is part of a broader national strategy to:

• Reduce airborne pollutants and sulfur dioxide emissions

• Prevent the import of substandard, high-sulfur fuels from unregulated markets

• Promote energy cooperation with compliant regional producers

• Build trust with local and international investors by enforcing clean energy norms

With over 1 million liters of diesel imported daily through Afghanistan’s borders, this reform is expected to reduce emissions significantly while improving fuel economy for diesel engines.

Why This Matters for Afghanistan Diesel Market

• Afghanistan Diesel Standard now mandates 2000 ppm sulfur as maximum.

• Afghanistan Gasoil Analysis must show compliance with cetane, viscosity, and distillation benchmarks.

• Afghanistan new standard aligns with regional norms, boosting quality control.

• Afghan Norm for Diesel focuses on engine safety, clean air, and consistent supply.

• Kurdistan Diesel 2000 ppm is now widely accepted by Afghan fuel buyers.

• Oilload Iraq Diesel Producer 2000ppm is a reliable regional supplier for importers.

Afghanistan’s implementation of its new diesel import standard (Afghan Norm for Diesel) is a critical step toward a cleaner, more regulated fuel market. Oilload, with its certified Kurdistan Diesel 2000 ppm production, is proud to lead the way as a reliable, regionally trusted supplier for Afghan diesel importers and government tenders.

By combining fuel quality, logistical reliability, and regulatory alignment, Oilload ensures your engines run cleaner, longer, and smarter — across Afghanistan and beyond.