Diesel Quality, ULSD & AdBlue/DEF Availability in Colombia
This article provides a quick overview for overlanders traveling with modern Diesel vehicles.
Currently, in Colombia, the maximum diesel sulfur content is below 20 ppm, and the country is making serious steps toward ULSD. [1] [5] AdBlue/DEF availability is also good.
While I don’t find averages to be helpful, one publication stated in 2022 that the average sulfur in diesel was 13 ppm. [5]
By January 2025 the maximum level of sulfur should drop to only 10 ppm. [2]
Colombia has a few major gas station brands:
- Primax
- Terpel
- Petromil
- Petrobras
- Texaco
Advice: Purchase diesel from the brands above along major highways that have a lot of traffic.
Generally speaking, Colombia has a reputation for having quality diesel, and reports stating otherwise are extremely rare.
Primax
Most gas stations in Colombia only sell one type of diesel. However, Primax typically sells diesel in two qualities, one of them being Max Pro Diesel which has a higher cetane number, but their official information says no word about the sulfur content.
However, it is recommended to get the slightly more expensive and allegedly “better” diesel fuel. However, not all Primax gas stations sell Max Pro Diesel.
Petromil
Petromil sells just one type of Diesel.
However, the two options available at the pump can be confusing: Corriente and A.C.P.M.
Corriente refers to regular unleaded gasoline. It’s the standard type of gasoline used for most cars and light vehicles. This is what you typically know as “regular” gasoline.
A.C.P.M. (Aceite Combustible para Motores) is diesel fuel.
Terpel
Terpel sells only one diesel product called “Diesel”.
Texaco
Texaco sells only one diesel product called “Diesel”.
AdBlue/DEF (Diesel exhaust fluid) in Colombia
AdBlue in Colombia is called Urea or Urea AdBlue. Typically you will find it at gas stations, especially larger ones that cater to trucks as well. AdBlue is often sold at the pump.
Places where you could find AdBlue/DEF in Colombia:
- Petrobras gas stations (special pump for trucks)
- Terpel gas stations (special pump for trucks)
- Petromil gas stations
- Texaco gas stations
- Total gas stations [3] (unconfirmed information)
- Official dealerships/services
It seems that Yara is a local company that produces AdBlue. [4]
Traveling around South America?
Check out the following field reports for these countries:
References
[1] https://www.transportpolicy.net/standard/colombia-hdv-emissions/
[2] https://www.ecopetrol.com.co/wps/portal/Home/tesg/environmental/clean-air/fuel-quality
[3] https://totalenergies.co/aditivos-y-combustibles/aditivos-de-desempeno/aditivos-diesel/adblue
