The study endeavor to utilize esters of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del(Balanites) as a fuel for diesel engine. Ester developed from balanites oil by the transesterification process is investigated for its properties and the engine performance. A single stage alkali-catalyzed esterification process by using 1.25% KOH, methyl alcohol 8:1 molar ratio with respect to balanites oil, gives the maximum ester yield of 95%. The performance and emission characteristics of the engine are analyzed using balanites oil methyl esters and diesel as fuel. The viscosity of balanites oil is found to be decreased by 89% after esterification, and the calorific value of balanites oil methyll esters is nearly 94% of the diesel fuel. The engine performance with balanites oil methyl ester as a fuel resembles to that of conventional diesel fuel, while the exhaust gas emissions are reduced with the use of balanites oil methyl esters. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.