December 8, 2021
The Australian Trucking Association has called on the Federal Government to take immediate action to guarantee Australia’s supply of AdBlue.
AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fluid used in modern diesel vehicles – including trucks and farm machinery – which have Selective Catalytic Reduction technology.
It is made of urea and deionised water and is injected into the exhaust system of diesel engines to reduce the amount of nitrous oxide entering the atmosphere.
Until recently, the majority of diesel exhaust fluid grade urea had come from China, but that country has now almost halted exports.
Media reports have suggested stocks of AdBlue could run out in Australia as early as February.
Australian Trucking Association chair David Smith said there needed to be more transparency about the supply and demand for AdBlue both now and for the next six months.
Peak body leaders met in Canberra on Wednesday at a roundtable meeting in a bid to find a solution.
“In today’s roundtable, we were told there was no need to panic about the supply of AdBlue, but no one was prepared to back this assurance up with any numbers about AdBlue supply,” Mr Smith said.
“The supply of AdBlue is just as important as the supply of fuel. We need transparency about the stocks of material that are in Australia and the ability of suppliers to deliver the AdBlue we need throughout the first half of 2022.
“The Australian Trucking Association has been told that the supply of AdBlue is uncertain beyond February 2022. Some suppliers are in a better position than others.
“We are already seeing suppliers restricting orders or raising prices.
“The ATA will continue to press the Government for action and transparency until we are certain that we can continue delivering the groceries on every supermarket shelf and Australia’s exports to our ports.”
