Cetane

The cetane number or cetane index is an indicator of the combustion speed of diesel fuel and the compression needed for ignition. Diesel with a lower cetane number provokes ignition delays and requires more time for the combustion process to be completed. In other words, higher cetane numbers indicate better ignition quality. Therefore, diesel with a higher cetane number is preferred by engine makers as it influences engine efficiency.

In Algeria, the cetane index of diesel is regulated with a minimum limit of 48. The cetane number is not regulated.

As shown in SGS Worldwide Fuel Survey (WWFS) data, the average cetane index of samples has been over 48 since 2011, above the regulatory limit.