It’s currently understood Australia will implement a short-term
relaxing of fuel quality to enable fuel with a higher sulphur content be
supplied. Specifically for Diesel here we currently run “ULSD” ultra-low
sulphur diesel >10 mg/kg since approx.
2010.
This discussed temporary release of Diesel fuel “LSD” is
indicated as >50 mg/kg – which is the spec we were running prior to 2010 and
many other regions of the world still run.
As it is expected to be a temporary short run and likely
blended / reduced into existing fuel any negative impact expect won’t be
noticed. It is considered to have some effect on emission outputs and possible
exhaust aftertreatment systems for those running any aftertreatment.
Sulphur in high levels i.e. 500mg/kg or greater can have
internal wear impact on valve, seats, cylinder components and engine oils etc. However,
at this still low levels of >50mg/kg not expected but would highly recommend
ensuring any abnormal oil analysis trending (wear metals / TBN etc) be
monitored and actioned / reviewed if occur – i.e. some oil types may need
shorter change intervals etc.
There’re currently no fuel additives I’d personally
recommend using of any benefits for this short-term situation.