A Simple Guide to How Diesel Fuel is Made By James Davis Diesel fuel is a vital component of the transportation industry and is used to power a vast majority of trucks, trains, and ships globally. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the process of how diesel fuel is made and the various steps involved. Step 1: Crude oil refining The production of diesel fuel starts with the refining of crude oil. Crude oil is a mixture of various hydrocarbons, including diesel fuel, which are separated through a process called distillation. The distillation process takes place in a large tower, known as a distillation column, which operates under high temperatures and pressure. Step 2: Fractional distillation During the distillation process, the crude oil is heated to a high temperature, and the vaporized hydrocarbons are then separated according to their boiling points. The hydrocarbons with the highest boiling points, such as diesel fuel, are condensed and collected in a separate ...