Where the term “D2” came from
In international broker chains, “D2” is often attached to older gasoil descriptions, especially references to Soviet/Russian GOST terminology such as GOST 305 and the historic L-0.2-62 summer grade. Separately, ASTM D975 uses formal grade designations such as No. 2-D for diesel fuel oils. Those are not one universal product called “D2”.
The commercial problem is not that every use of the letters D2 is fraudulent. The problem is that D2 alone does not tell a refinery, terminal, inspector or buyer what measurable quality schedule governs the cargo.
D2 is not EN 590
EN 590:2025 is a current automotive diesel standard. It defines a detailed quality framework, including a 10 mg/kg sulfur ceiling, minimum cetane number 51, climatic-grade requirements and FAME rules. The 2025 edition also reduced minimum density for summer grades A–C to 815 kg/m³ and introduced a particle-count limit of 10,000 particles/ml for particles ≥4 μm at the point of particle certification.
Calling a cargo “D2 / EN590” without stating which standard actually governs the SPA is therefore poor specification discipline. If EN 590 is required, contract EN 590:2025 and the applicable grade — not “D2”.
D2 is not Singapore 10 ppm gasoil either
The Singapore/Straits physical market has a defined 10 ppm gasoil reference. The current Platts FOB Singapore 10 ppm specification includes sulfur ≤10 ppm, cetane number ≥51, density 0.820–0.845 g/ml at 15°C, flash point ≥66°C, kinematic viscosity 2.0–4.5 cSt at 40°C, FAME NIL, water ≤200 mg/kg, HFRR lubricity ≤460 μm and specified cold-flow limits.
That is a measurable physical-market specification. It can also be used as a regional pricing reference through MOPS. But a MOPS-linked price basis is still separate from the quality clause in the contract.
| Term | What it actually is | Can you contract it by name alone? |
|---|---|---|
| D2 | Legacy / informal shorthand; may point to different historical classification systems | No — qualify the actual standard and limits |
| EN 590:2025 | Automotive diesel quality standard | Closer, but climatic grade, FAME and contract details still matter |
| Singapore 10 ppm gasoil | Defined physical cargo / assessment specification | Use the current methodology and SPA quality schedule |
| ISO 8217:2024 | Marine-fuel specification family | Name the applicable marine distillate category and sulfur requirement |
Why the word “D2” is common in low-quality broker offers
Many internet petroleum offers copy the same old product vocabulary and procedures from earlier broker templates. “D2”, very large monthly volumes, vague “refinery allocations”, tank-transfer acronyms and long intermediary chains often appear together. None of those elements proves fraud by itself, but they are a reason to qualify the transaction before spending time on documents.
A serious counterparty should be able to move from the nickname to measurable procurement information: the quality standard, load or delivery basis, quantity, inspection point and commercial structure.
How to convert “Need D2” into a quoteable RFQ
Ask the buyer to provide:
- Governing specification: Singapore 10 ppm gasoil, EN 590:2025, ISO 8217:2024 marine distillate category, ASTM or another destination-specific standard.
- Sulfur: maximum ppm or mass percentage.
- FAME: B0, B7 or other allowed content.
- Climate / cold flow: applicable EN 590 climatic grade when relevant.
- Quantity: spot volume and/or monthly requirement.
- Delivery: load/discharge port, Incoterm and delivery window.
- Pricing: MOPS / Platts basis or another agreed formula if required.
- Inspection: controlling CoQ and SGS/Intertek or equivalent requirements.
What about marine gasoil?
Do not use EN 590 as a generic bunker specification. ISO 8217:2024 is the current international marine-fuel standard and specifies multiple distillate categories for fuels used in marine diesel engines and boilers. A marine inquiry should identify the applicable ISO 8217 category and sulfur requirement.
Technical references
EN 590:2025 revision summary: SIST EN 590:2025 sample / revision notes
Singapore gasoil reference: S&P Global Commodity Insights — Asia Pacific and Middle East Refined Oil Products Specifications Guide
Singapore road-diesel limits: Singapore Statutes Online — Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations
Marine fuel: ISO 8217:2024 — Specifications of marine fuels
Have a real diesel or gasoil requirement?
Send the actual specification, sulfur/FAME limits, volume, destination and delivery terms. We will qualify the requirement before discussing supply.