What is kerosene, and why does it matter to you? If you’ve recently moved into a rural property, or you’re buying one for the first time, you’ve probably come across the term more than once. It might appear as paraffin on a supplier’s website, or home heating oil on your bill. These names can all refer to the same fuel, which makes things confusing when you’re simply trying to work out what to order.
Kerosene is one of the UK’s most widely used domestic fuels. Around 1.5 million UK homes rely on it for central heating and hot water, according to OFTEC, the Oil Firing Technical Association. It’s particularly common in rural areas of Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire, where properties aren’t connected to the mains gas network.
This guide explains what kerosene is, what it’s used for, how it differs from paraffin, heating oil and red diesel, and how to buy it for your home or business.
What is Kerosene?
Kerosene is a clear, flammable liquid fuel derived from crude oil. It’s produced through a process called fractional distillation, which separates crude oil into different fuels at different temperatures. In the UK, it’s widely used as a domestic heating fuel, and it also has applications in aviation, as a solvent, and in some industrial and agricultural settings.
When crude oil is heated in a refinery, its components separate according to their boiling points. Kerosene distils at temperatures between roughly 150°C and 275°C, placing it between petrol (which distils at lower temperatures) and diesel (which distils at higher ones). The result is a light, low-viscosity oil that burns cleanly and efficiently.
The official UK technical classification for domestic kerosene, as defined by GOV.UK, is C2 Fuel Oil under the BS 2869 standard. In everyday use, though, you’ll hear it called kerosene, paraffin, or home heating oil far more often than C2.
It’s used most commonly in domestic oil-fired boilers to heat radiators and provide hot water in properties that are off the mains gas grid. It’s also used in oil-fired range cookers such as AGAs and Rayburns, which are a common sight in older rural homes.
Is Kerosene the Same as Paraffin?
In most everyday situations in the UK, yes. Kerosene and paraffin are used interchangeably and refer to the same petroleum distillate used in domestic heating systems. If you ask a fuel supplier for paraffin or kerosene, you’ll almost always receive the same product.
That said, there’s a subtle difference worth understanding. Paraffin sold for indoor use, such as for wick heaters or traditional paraffin lamps, tends to be slightly more refined than standard heating kerosene. It burns with less soot and less odour, which matters when you’re using it in an enclosed space. Standard domestic heating kerosene is burned in an external boiler or range cooker, so a small amount of odour during combustion isn’t really a concern.
For the purposes of ordering home heating fuel, paraffin and kerosene mean the same thing. You’ll receive the same product either way.
Is Kerosene the Same as Heating Oil?
Yes. In the UK, kerosene and domestic heating oil are the same fuel. Kerosene, classified as BS 2869 Class C2, is the standard fuel used in oil-fired central heating boilers and range cookers in homes across the country.
When UK suppliers talk about home heating oil, they’re almost always referring to kerosene. It’s the most popular choice for domestic oil boilers because it burns cleanly, performs reliably in cold weather, and stores well in a standard tank.
You may also see kerosene referred to as “28-second oil” on some supplier websites. This is a reference to a historical viscosity test in which 50ml of the fuel passes through a specific orifice in approximately 28 seconds. It’s simply another name for the same fuel.
What are the Grades of Kerosene in the UK?
In the UK, kerosene for domestic use is standardised under BS 2869. There are two grades relevant to homeowners: BS 2869 Class C1 is the lightest grade, used in portable heaters, wick lamps, and camping stoves. BS 2869 Class C2 is the heavier grade used in domestic oil boilers and range cookers. The vast majority of domestic heating customers order Class C2.
Some suppliers also offer premium kerosene, sometimes branded as Kleenburn or Carbon Clean kerosene. This is Class C2 with added performance additives. Premium kerosene:
- Keeps the burner and heat exchanger cleaner
- Reduces carbon deposit build-up over time
- Can lower emissions slightly compared to standard kerosene
- May help reduce the frequency of boiler servicing
It costs a little more per litre, but for a boiler that’s used heavily throughout the year, the longer-term benefits to the heating system can offset the extra cost.
What is Kerosene Used For in the UK?
In the UK, kerosene is used primarily to heat off-grid homes. It also has a wide range of other applications, from commercial aviation to industrial solvents and agricultural heating.
The most common uses include:
- Domestic central heating: Kerosene powers oil-fired boilers in homes that aren’t connected to the mains gas grid. It heats radiators and provides hot water throughout the year. Our domestic heating oil service covers homes across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire.
- Agricultural and commercial heating: Farms, rural workshops, and agricultural buildings across the Midlands use kerosene in industrial burners and heating units. Stoddards supplies kerosene to agricultural customers throughout the region.
- Range cookers: Oil-fired range cookers, such as AGAs and Rayburns, run on kerosene. They’re a common feature in older rural properties.
- Aviation: Commercial jet fuel is essentially a high-grade version of kerosene. It powers virtually all civil aircraft worldwide.
- Industrial and cleaning uses: Kerosene is used as a solvent and degreaser in various industrial settings. It also features in some pesticides and specialist cleaning products.
Is Kerosene the Same as Red Diesel?
No. Kerosene and red diesel are different fuels with different uses and tax rules. Kerosene (BS 2869 Class C2) is used for domestic heating. Red diesel, also known as gas oil, is a tax-rebated fuel used in off-road agricultural machinery, generators, and some commercial heating applications. Using red diesel in a domestic oil boiler can damage the system and isn’t recommended.
Both fuels are petroleum distillates and they look similar, but they’re not interchangeable. Red diesel distils at slightly higher temperatures than kerosene. It’s heavier, less refined, and burns with more soot and a stronger odour when used in domestic boilers.
If you need red diesel for agricultural or off-road use, Stoddards supplies it throughout Staffordshire and the surrounding counties. For home heating, kerosene is always the correct fuel.
How Long Does Kerosene Last in Storage?
Kerosene stored in good conditions has a shelf life of around 12 months. In a well-maintained, sealed tank kept away from direct sunlight and moisture, it’ll remain in excellent condition throughout a full heating season and often beyond.
One of kerosene’s advantages over modern diesel is its storage stability. Standard kerosene doesn’t contain a biofuel component, which means it’s less prone to the microbial contamination that can affect DERV and red diesel stored for long periods.
That said, water is still the most common cause of fuel degradation. It enters tanks through condensation on the inner walls or through a poorly fitting filler cap. Once water’s present, it creates the right conditions for microbial growth, sometimes called diesel bug. This leads to sludge, blocked filters, and, if left untreated, potential boiler damage.
To protect your stored kerosene:
- Check your tank regularly for signs of water or sediment
- Make sure filler caps and vents are properly sealed
- Use a fuel treatment additive to prevent contamination and extend storage life
- Consider professional fuel polishing if you suspect the fuel has degraded
- Ask your delivery driver for a water test
For a full breakdown of how to store kerosene safely and legally, see our guide to heating oil storage regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kerosene
Where can I buy kerosene in Staffordshire?
Kerosene is available from fuel suppliers across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire. Stoddards delivers kerosene directly to homes, farms, and businesses throughout the region, with same-day emergency delivery options and scheduled top-up services available. Use our fuel calculator to get a quote for your postcode and order quantity.
How much does kerosene cost per litre in the UK?
Kerosene prices fluctuate throughout the year in line with crude oil prices and seasonal demand. They’re typically lower in spring and summer when heating demand drops, and higher in autumn and winter when homes and businesses are ordering heavily. Ordering larger quantities generally brings the per-litre price down. For the most up-to-date price in your area, use our fuel calculator. Read our guide to find the best time to buy heating oil or browse our heating oil price chart to see how prices have moved over time.
How much kerosene does a house use per year?
This varies depending on property size, insulation quality, and how warm you keep your home. As a rough guide, a three-bedroom house will typically use between 1,000 and 1,500 litres of kerosene per year. A larger or poorly insulated property can use more. Our fuel calculator can help you estimate your annual usage and the most cost-effective order size for your tank.
Is kerosene safe to store at home?
Yes, when it’s stored correctly. Keep kerosene in a dedicated oil tank or sealed container, in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and open flames. It has a flash point of around 37°C to 65°C, which makes it considerably safer to store than petrol. Always follow OFTEC guidance on tank positioning and maintenance.
Order Kerosene Across Staffordshire and the Midlands
At Stoddards, we’ve been supplying kerosene and home heating oil to homes, farms, and businesses across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire for over 50 years. As a JET-approved fuel distributor based in Cheadle, we understand the heating needs of rural and off-grid properties in the area.
We offer same-day emergency deliveries, scheduled top-up services, flexible payment options, and a fleet of tankers capable of reaching restricted-access rural sites. Whether you need a first delivery to a new property or a regular supply to keep your home warm through winter, we’re ready to help.
If you’d like to understand more about how oil heating works before you order, our ultimate guide to home heating oil covers everything in one place.
Use our fuel calculator to get an instant quote, or get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.