AdBlue: Shortages continue, here's where to get it

UPDATE, January 25, 2022: Relief in sight, as large AdBlue delivery begins across Australia

A number of major carmakers with vehicles impacted by the ongoing AdBlue shortage are going through a feast or famine of the in-demand product, while retailers face the same uncertainty.

Having kicked off last month thanks to a dwindling supply of urea – the main component of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) – there were fears that stocks of AdBlue (the trademarked name of DEF) would run out in Australia, bringing the logistics industry to a grinding halt as well as impacting a large number of passenger vehicles.

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WhichCar contacted a number of high-traffic fuel stations along the Hume Highway between Melbourne and Sydney, with almost all outlets confirming they are out of AdBlue, both at the pump and in take-home bottled form.

So where can I get AdBlue?

We wouldn't say the news is grim, but it isn't great. You can get AdBlue if you hunt around, and these are your best options.

The shortage has hit a number of retail outlets which sell AdBlue in pre-packed containers, as many in Melbourne also say they're out or have only low supply, leading motorists to struggle with refilling their tanks at home.

However, further north towards the Queensland border, a handful of BP fuel stations confirmed to WhichCar they had supply of AdBlue at the bowser, while some retail outlets in Brisbane said their shelves had recently been restocked, with demand having subsided lately.

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Within a one-kilometre radius, three retail stores – Supercheap Auto, Repco and Autobarn – all had mixed results.

While not available through their online store, walk-in Supercheap stores appear to have AdBlue products on the shelf – both their own brand and those from Penrite and Nulon – with a limit of 20 litres per customer, while Repco has stock and no explicit limits on the quantity which could be purchased.

NOTE: In both cases, stock appears to vary, so you should call stores before heading in.

The Autobarn stores we called were out of stock, with one sales assistant explaining that although suppliers had been providing AdBlue to the retailer, they are currently selling only to freight and logistics-based businesses. Private customers, we were told, would have to wait until February at the earliest.

Things are a bit different further south, though, as every Supercheap Auto, Repco and Autobarn store contacted in Sydney was completely out of stock with no timeline given as to when they were receiving more, other than Autobarn who again said their main supplier, Penrite, was advising a potential delivery in February.

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Mixed availability continues across manufacturer dealer networks within Australia. A Jaguar Land Rover spokesperson was confident of AdBlue levels at its service outlets, telling WhichCar, "we are currently working with our suppliers to ensure ongoing supply of AdBlue and continue servicing our customer’s needs.

"Our retail (dealership) network is currently able to top up impacted vehicles to keep our customers mobile. We encourage customers not to panic-buy AdBlue."

This was backed up by a call to a JLR dealer who said AdBlue was in stock and available to be purchase as a top-up for Jaguar and Land Rover owners. While owners can't buy a pre-packaged bottle over the counter, the AdBlue top-up is included as a regular service item.

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Mercedes-Benz Cars also said it was comfortable with stock levels internally. "Stock of AdBlue for authorised Mercedes-Benz passenger car service centres is managed centrally and distributed as needed.

"We have sufficient supply for the foreseeable future, and are closely managing stock levels and orders from the service network to maintain availability for our customers."

"The top-up size of AdBlue (1.89L) is available for over-the-counter customers who may be running low and simply need a smaller refill for continued mobility."

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Volkswagen said it is currently monitoring supply levels, with a spokesperson reminding owners of how infrequently vehicles need AdBlue topped up – a reminder that, for most owners, there's no need for crisis-level panic buying.

“The [Volkswagen] Group is monitoring supply. Its dealers are able to meet customer requirements.

"It’s worth remembering that with the given average annual distance travelled by private owners, AdBlue would require refilling at most twice a year.”

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A Ford spokesperson was unable to offer as much certainty, confirming only that it is working with dealers to help keep customers informed.

"Supply varies from dealer to dealer, but we will work with dealers to ensure they have accurate information to communicate with customers," said a spokesperson.

"We recommend that customers stay aware of the level of AdBlue in their vehicle and refill their tank periodically, paying attention to any dashboard warning lamps.

"To prevent their vehicle running out of AdBlue, if customers are unable to replenish their AdBlue at a Ford dealer, we recommend they seek to obtain AdBlue from an alternative supplier. Customers should also note the specific storage requirements and expiry dates of any AdBlue they purchase."

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WhichCar contacted a large Ford service centre in Brisbane which stated it was completely out of AdBlue, a problem it claimed was due to a lack of supply from Penrite. It's worth noting this service department was located less than 10 minutes away from the aforementioned Supercheap and Repco outlets which had supply.

Penrite has been contacted for comment regarding its shortage of stock across Autobarn, Burson Auto Parts and Ford.

Prices of AdBlue vary from pump to pump and retailer to retailer, with pump costs hovering around $2 per litre while pre-packaged supplies can range from around $4/litre to $10/litre, depending on the overall size.