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Guide

Diesel generator fuel consumption, by kVA

Diesel generator fuel consumption by size and load: litres per hour for 20 to 1,000 kVA, fuel cost for an 8 hour event and a 24 hour site in the UAE.

5 minute read. Updated 10 November 2026.

Quick answer

A diesel generator at 75 percent load uses roughly 0.2 to 0.22 litres per kVA per hour. A 30 kVA unit uses about 6 litres an hour, a 150 kVA about 26 litres and a 500 kVA about 85 litres. Fuel for an 8 hour event on 30 kVA is about 48 litres.

Fuel use by size

Size25 percent load50 percent load75 percent load100 percent load
20 kVA1.8 L/h2.9 L/h4 L/h5 L/h
30 kVA2.6 L/h4.2 L/h6 L/h7.5 L/h
60 kVA4.8 L/h7.8 L/h11 L/h14 L/h
150 kVA11 L/h18 L/h26 L/h33 L/h
250 kVA18 L/h30 L/h42 L/h55 L/h
500 kVA35 L/h60 L/h85 L/h110 L/h
1,000 kVA70 L/h118 L/h170 L/h220 L/h

Approximate figures for modern diesel generators. Actual use depends on the engine and load.

Working out fuel cost

  1. Pick the litres per hour at your expected load.
  2. Multiply by running hours.
  3. Multiply by the current UAE diesel price per litre, published monthly.

Example: a 60 kVA generator at 75 percent for 10 hours uses about 110 litres.

How to cut fuel use

  1. Size the generator to the real load, see what size generator you need.
  2. Switch off AC and lights in empty areas.
  3. For 24 hour sites, use two smaller units and run one at night.

Last updated 10 November 2026. Figures are typical for UAE conditions; we confirm sizing for every job.

Questions

Frequently asked

How much diesel does a 30 kVA generator use?

About 6 litres an hour at 75 percent load.

How long does a generator run on a full tank?

Most rental units carry fuel for 8 to 24 hours at typical load. We plan refuelling for longer hires.

Need power, cooling or event kit this week?

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