What’s the Difference Between Biodiesel and Diesel?

A quick guide to understanding your fuel options—especially if you're going green.

If you're managing a fleet, running heavy machinery, or fueling generators in California, you've likely heard the term "biodiesel" alongside conventional diesel. But what’s the difference—and does it matter?

Let’s break it down.

🔍 Diesel vs. Biodiesel: What Are They Made Of?

Diesel fuel is made from crude oil and refined through traditional petroleum processes. It's what most trucks and heavy equipment have used for decades.

Biodiesel, on the other hand, is made from renewable, plant- or animal-based sources like soybean oil, used cooking oil, or animal fats. It’s often blended with diesel to reduce emissions.

You might see it labeled as:

• B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% diesel)

• B20 (20% biodiesel)

• B99 or B100 (nearly or fully pure biodiesel)

Key Differences

Feature	Diesel (Petroleum)	Biodiesel
Source	Fossil fuel	Renewable oils/fats
Emissions	Higher	Lower (especially CO₂)
Engine Compatibility	Universal	Compatible in most engines (B5–B20)
Environmental Impact	Greater	Cleaner-burning, biodegradable
CA Compliance	Standard diesel may not qualify	Biodiesel supports CARB Clean Truck Check compliance

♻️ Why It Matters in California

California’s Clean Truck Check and Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) encourage cleaner fuel usage. Using biodiesel or renewable diesel helps your business:

• Reduce carbon footprint

• Stay compliant

• Meet sustainability goals

📍 Dogpatch Biofuels delivers renewable diesel, biodiesel blends, and CARB-compliant fuels across San Francisco, the Bay Area, and beyond.

Need help deciding which fuel is right for your fleet or job site?Call us at (415) 642-7378 or stop by 765 Pennsylvania Ave, San Francisco, CA.

#BiodieselVsDiesel #RenewableDiesel #CaliforniaCleanTruckCheck #FleetFueling #DogpatchBiofuels