When fuels are moved through distribution systems such as pipelines, they can build up a static charge. In order to safely pump and move fuels from place to place, conductivity improvers are often added to help dissipate this static charge buildup.

Conductivity improvers are also referred to as anti-stats or antistatic agents, and their use is increasing as sulfur (which acts as a natural static charge dissipater) is removed from diesel fuels.