The sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) oil was extracted from the seeds of the sesame that grows in Diyarbakir, SE Anatolia of Turkey. Sesame seed oil was obtained in 58 wt/wt'Y(,, by traditional solvent extraction. The methylester of sesame (Sesamuni indiculn L.) seed oil was prepared by transesterification of the crude oil. Transesterification shows improvement in fuel properties of sesame seed oil. This study supports the production of biodiesel from sesarne seed oil as a viable alternative to the diesel fuel. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.