In Australia, a shortage of AdBlue, a crucial fuel additive, threatens to render diesel vehicles inoperable, potentially causing significant disruptions. AdBlue is essential for modern diesel vehicles to reduce emissions, and the current shortage could impact the diesel trucking industry, posing a risk to the economy.
Understanding AdBlue
AdBlue is a fluid used in the catalytic converters of diesel vehicles’ exhaust systems to break down harmful nitrogen oxides. It’s injected into the exhaust gases and burned at high temperatures to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. AdBlue is common in Euro Six-compliant vehicles manufactured after 2015 and has been adopted by both European and Japanese automakers.
Vehicles Using AdBlue
AdBlue is widely used in trucks and an increasing number of late-model diesel vehicles and SUVs from brands like Renault, Citroen, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, Mazda, and Toyota. Mercedes-Benz refers to their AdBlue systems as “BluTec.”
How AdBlue Works
AdBlue is stored in a separate tank and is sprayed into the exhaust stream in controlled doses. It reacts with the nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gases, transforming it into nitrogen and water via the catalytic converter, thereby reducing emissions.
The AdBlue Shortage Crisis in Australia
The shortage of AdBlue affects both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, with the transport industry particularly hard-hit. Passenger cars use minimal amounts of AdBlue, but trucks and prime movers require significantly larger quantities. The shortage poses a threat to Australia’s supply chain, as many truck drivers rely on AdBlue for their vehicles.
The rising prices of AdBlue in Europe have led to drivers rushing to fill up before supplies run out. Although Australia has three manufacturers of AdBlue, the majority of the Asia-Pacific’s urea supply, a key component of AdBlue, comes from China, which has paused exports to control domestic fertilizer prices.
Supporting Local Manufacturers
Cam Dumesny, Chief Executive of the Western Roads Federation, emphasizes the need to support local AdBlue manufacturers by sourcing the base agent globally. Without strategic sourcing, rationing might become necessary, prioritizing certain areas of transport over others.
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