Work out fuel temperature correction instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Volume at reference temperature is observed volume x (1 - alpha x temperature difference). Coefficients differ by product: about 0.00095 per degree for gasoline, 0.00072 for diesel and 0.00063 for fuel oil. A 19 degree difference on a 30,000 litre delivery of diesel is over 400 litres.
Volume correction
Corrected volume = observed volume x (1 - alpha x (T_observed - T_reference))
Volumes used for duty, tax or custody transfer must be corrected using the measurement standard prescribed by the relevant authority.
It depends on the contract. Sales at ambient volume favour the seller in hot weather; sales at corrected volume are neutral. Most bulk contracts specify temperature-corrected volumes for this reason.
It is significant in absolute terms across a whole network but small per transaction. Some jurisdictions require automatic temperature compensation on retail dispensers, others do not.