Sulfur containing compounds (SCC) in fuel oil is now becoming a worldwide concern as it released sulfur dioxide, a toxic molecule which give detrimental impact towards human and environment. To encounter this, production of ultra-low sulfur fuel oil that fulfil Euro V standard (<10 ppm) is essential to eradicate the unfavourable consequences. Hydrodesulfurization is the conventional technique to remove SCC, however it is not worthy to use as it requires harsh operation conditions and costly. Moreover, some of the sterically-hindered SCC such as dibenzothiophene still remained in the oil. Non-conventional techniques to desulfurize SCC are currently being tested such as adsorption, biodesulfurization, extraction and oxidation. Research in desulfurization by means of extraction is widely progressed in the past decade using organic solvent and ionic liquids as extraction medium. However, the expensive costs of the solvent with questionable toxicity have driven researchers to explore the potential of deep eutectic solvent (DES) as alternative solvent. Compared to traditional solvent, DES is easy to synthesis, low cost and environmental-friendly. In this review, recent updates on the utilization of different type DES in extractive desulfurization is systematically classified and discussed. Eventually, the mechanism of extraction system is detailed to provide an insight at molecular level. Strategies to maximize the performance of extractive desulfurization are presented which focuses on the effective design of DES, integrative approach using oxidant and catalyst as well as usage of ultrasonic method. Several aspects of DES including DES and fuel solubility, influence of water, recylability and dearomatization towards extraction efficiency will be elaborated. Finally, challenges and future directions of the implementation of DES in extractive desulfurization are presented. © 2018