Cetane improvers

Cetane improvers are fuel additives which improve the cetane number in diesel. Generally, the production of high cetane diesel requires more heavy crude petroleum during the refining process. Therefore, in some cases, it is necessary to add cetane improvers at the refinery.

The most common cetane improver is 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN). However, 2-EHN added to diesel tends to increase the nitrogen content. In Laos, the national diesel specification, LS 07-2016 does not regulate 2-EHN content.

SGS Worldwide Fuel Survey results from diesel samples taken in 2011-2021 show all diesel samples taken in 2015 contained 2-EHN.

Please contact SGS INSPIRE for more information on 2-EHN content.