The invention is directed to a method and formula for producing a fuel having reduced particulate emissions from an internal combustion engine. The fuel taught herein is characterized as having a cetane number ranging from about 45 to about 65, a T.sub.95 distillation property of less than about 370.degree. C., and having NR, AR, cetane number and T.sub.95 defined by the relation: PEI=156+Z.sub.1.times.(cetane#-49)+Z.sub.2.times.(NR-14)+Z.sub.3.times.(A- R-25)+Z.sub.4.times.(T.sub.95-315.degree. C.) Where Z.sub.1 ranges from abut 0.67 to about 1.06, Z.sub.2 ranges from about 0.9 to about 1.28, Z.sub.3 ranges from about 2.54 to about 2.80, Z.sub.4 ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.4, NR is a defined correlation of the naphthene rings content in the fuel, and AR is a defined correlation of the aromatic rings content in the fuel.