Mazut vs. Diesel — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
Mazut is a heavy, low-quality fuel oil, used primarily for heating and powering ships, while diesel is a lighter, cleaner-burning fuel used in engines.
Difference Between Mazut and Diesel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mazut is a heavy oil residue left after the distillation of petroleum, often used as a cheaper alternative fuel in industrial and marine environments. Whereas diesel is derived from petroleum but is more refined and cleaner, making it suitable for use in road vehicles, railways, and generators.
Mazut has a higher viscosity and contains more contaminants, which can lead to increased emissions and maintenance issues in machinery. On the other hand, diesel is treated to remove impurities, enhancing its efficiency and reducing its environmental impact.
Mazut is primarily used in countries where environmental regulations are less strict due to its lower cost and higher availability. While diesel is used worldwide, adhering to stringent environmental standards to minimize pollution.
Mazut combustion typically produces more particulate matter and sulfur oxides, contributing to air pollution and acid rain. Whereas diesel engines are often equipped with advanced technologies like particulate filters and catalytic converters to manage emissions.
Mazut is used in larger industrial equipment and older power generation systems where fuel quality is less critical. While diesel is preferred in modern, high-efficiency engines designed for performance and minimal emissions.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Industrial heating, Marine fuel
Vehicle engines, Power generators
Viscosity
Higher
Lower
Environmental Impact
More pollutants, higher emissions
Cleaner, lower emissions
Cost
Generally cheaper
More expensive due to refining process
Regulatory Compliance
Less stringent
Stringent environmental standards
Compare with Definitions
Mazut
Predominantly used in countries with less strict environmental regulations.
Mazut remains a common choice in several Eastern European nations.
Diesel
Refined to meet various environmental standards, including low sulfur varieties.
Ultra-low sulfur diesel reduces the risk of corrosion in engine components.
Mazut
Less refined than other fuel oils, containing more particulates and sulfur.
Facilities using mazut must often invest in additional filtration mechanisms.
Diesel
Efficient fuel with a lower freezing point than gasoline.
Diesel remains fluid and functional even under relatively cold conditions.
Mazut
Suitable for use in large industrial boilers and marine engines.
Many cargo ships run on mazut due to its cost-effectiveness.
Diesel
A light petroleum product used in diesel engines of vehicles and generators.
Modern cars with diesel engines are appreciated for their fuel efficiency.
Mazut
A heavy residual oil used mainly for heating and in older power stations.
Mazut is often utilized in colder regions where high-power output is needed.
Diesel
Commonly used in the transportation sector, especially in trucks and buses.
Diesel engines power most of the commercial transport vehicles.
Mazut
Requires pre-heating to reduce viscosity before use.
Mazut must be heated to improve its flow characteristics in machinery.
Diesel
Produces less CO2 per liter compared to gasoline but more NOx.
Diesel engines are often fitted with NOx reducing technologies.
Mazut
Mazut is a heavy, low quality fuel oil, used in power plants and similar applications. In the United States and Western Europe, by using FCC or RFCC processes, mazut is blended or broken down, with the end product being diesel.
Diesel
An internal combustion engine in which heat produced by the compression of air in the cylinder is used to ignite the fuel
A diesel locomotive
Mazut
(petrochemistry) A heavy, low-quality fuel oil, used in generating plants and similar applications, or broken down to produce diesel.
Diesel
A diesel engine.
Diesel
A vehicle powered by a diesel engine.
Diesel
Any of various fuels used to power diesel engines, especially one derived from petroleum.
Diesel
To continue running after the ignition has been turned off, as when an open throttle supplies fuel to an engine that is still sufficiently hot to ignite it.
Diesel
To drive a diesel-powered vehicle
We dieseled through the countryside.
Diesel
To refuel a diesel-powered vehicle. Often used with up.
Diesel
A fuel derived from petroleum (or other oils) but heavier than gasoline/petrol. Used to power diesel engines which burn this fuel using the heat produced when air is compressed.
Diesel
(countable) A vehicle powered by a diesel engine.
Diesel
A rider who has an even energy output, without bursts of speed.
Diesel
Snakebite and black (a drink).
Diesel
(slang) A particular cannabis hybrid.
Diesel
To ignite a substance by using the heat generated by compression.
Diesel
(automotive) For a spark-ignition internal combustion engine to continue running after the electrical current to the spark plugs has been turned off. This occurs when there's enough heat in the combustion chamber to ignite the air and fuel mixture without a spark, the same way that heat and pressure cause ignition in a diesel engine.
Diesel
A type of internal-combustion engine in which the air drawn in by the suction stroke is so highly compressed that the heat generated ignites the fuel (usually a heavy oil), the fuel being automatically sprayed into the cylinder under pressure. The Diesel engine has a very high thermal efficiency.
Diesel
German engineer (born in France) who invented the diesel engine (1858-1913)
Diesel
An internal-combustion engine that burns heavy oil
Common Curiosities
Why is mazut cheaper than diesel?
Mazut is cheaper because it is less refined and has higher impurities, making the refining process less intensive.
How is diesel different from mazut in terms of use?
Diesel is used in vehicles, generators, and smaller machinery due to its cleaner combustion properties.
What environmental concerns are associated with mazut?
Mazut combustion can release large amounts of pollutants, including sulfur oxides and particulate matter.
How does diesel help in reducing emissions?
Diesel engines are equipped with emission control technologies like particulate filters and catalytic converters.
What makes diesel suitable for modern vehicles?
Diesel’s refinement and the addition of technologies to reduce emissions make it suitable for modern vehicles.
What is ultra-low sulfur diesel?
Ultra-low sulfur diesel is a diesel variety with significantly reduced sulfur content to reduce emissions.
What are the maintenance considerations for mazut?
Mazut requires pre-heating and additional filtration to handle its high particulate content.
Is mazut environmentally friendly?
Mazut is not considered environmentally friendly due to its high emission levels.
What types of vehicles use diesel?
Diesel is commonly used in trucks, buses, and some passenger cars.
What is mazut used for?
Mazut is primarily used for heating and powering industrial boilers and marine engines.
Is diesel more efficient than mazut?
Diesel is more efficient and cleaner burning than mazut, making it preferable for many applications.
Can mazut be used in a standard diesel engine?
Using mazut in a standard diesel engine is not advisable due to its high viscosity and impurity content.
Why is mazut less common in Western countries?
Western countries typically have stricter environmental regulations that mazut cannot meet.
How are emissions from mazut managed?
Emissions from mazut are harder to manage and require significant treatment to meet environmental standards.
Can diesel engines run on mazut?
Diesel engines can technically run on mazut, but it may cause operational and maintenance issues.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
