A close-up of the gas gauge on a diesel car.

Our Petro-Canada diesel.

Over 1,100 of our Petro-Canada™ locations across Canada offer diesel. All of our diesel has ultra-low sulphur content, which is great for all diesel engines.

The low down on low-sulphur diesel fuel.

Low sulphur diesel fuel helps to:

  • prevent deposits so your engine delivers optimum performance
  • keep your engine's fuel injectors in good condition
  • increase the lifespan of your diesel engine 

Renewable content and biodiesel in our diesel.

When provincial and federal mandates were put in place for renewable diesel, we at Petro-Canada were happy to embark on a new venture to provide Canadians with a more environmentally friendly diesel fuel.

From April to September at select stations, our diesel may contain as much as 5% renewable content or biodiesel.

Diesel vs gas engine: What's the difference?

Basically, both diesel and gas are processed from crude oil. But diesel is less processed and is heavier and "oilier" than gasoline. Gas is blended with fluids to prevent self-ignition. So a gas engine needs spark plugs to start the engine. Diesel fuel ignites with compressed air, not spark plugs.

If you're looking into buying a new car and are thinking of buying a diesel car, here are some things you may want to consider:

  • Diesel cars get great mileage – approximately 25% better fuel economy than gas cars. They can even get as good or better fuel economy than gas-electric hybrid cars.
  • Because of the way diesel engines are built, diesel cars usually last longer and require less engine maintenance than their gas engine counterparts. 
  • When you do have to get a diesel engine fixed, it will likely cost more. Mechanics often charge more to fix a diesel engine, claiming that diesel engines are more technologically advanced. 

A word about the cost of gas vs diesel – Since the price of each is set separately, sometimes diesel may cost more than gas and sometimes it costs less. So the per litre cost of diesel vs gas is less of a consideration. 

I put diesel in my gas engine or gas in my diesel engine. What should I do?

If you've driven up to the wrong pump and only realized after you filled up, you're probably searching what to do. Here's our advice:

  • Don't turn on the car. Running the engine could damage your engine. If you already started your engine, turn it off immediately.
  • Call a tow truck.
  • Get a mechanic to drain the tank and fuel lines as well as check, clean or replace any parts as needed.