Relief in sight, as large AdBlue delivery begins across Australia

Nation-wide shortages of AdBlue should ease in the coming days, with millions of litres of the diesel exhaust fluid being distributed across Australia this week.

The three million litres of AdBlue covers 75 per cent of Australia’s weekly needs, and represents an 800 per cent increase in local production.

Joint statements issued by Incitec Pivot and the Federal Government have revealed deliveries of AdBlue have already begun rolling out across the country, following around-the-clock production at the company’s plant in Brisbane.

Incitec Pivot says it now has the capacity to fill three B-double trucks per hour.

“Our expert teams have been working non-stop throughout the holiday period to expand our domestic AdBlue manufacturing and distribution capability,” Incitec Pivot CEO Jeanne John said at the announcement on Monday night.

“We are pleased to have reached the milestone of producing and distributing just over three million litres of AdBlue in the seven days ending on Sunday, January 23 – a massive 800 per cent increase compared to the amount we were producing in early December.”

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor thanked industry stakeholders for their cooperation and hard work, saying Australia now has enough AdBlue to restore normal stock levels.

“I also thank the broader AdBlue manufacturing, fuel distribution and transport sectors for their continued cooperation with the Government on a weekly basis. This open communication has meant we have been able to replenish sites and minimise disruptions for AdBlue users during the holiday period,” Minister Taylor said.

“To ensure stocks can be replenished across the country, I continue to encourage industry to purchase only when needed and at normal levels.”

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister Angus Taylor visiting the Incitec Pivot facility.

It’s been seven weeks since warning bells began to ring across the trucking industry, following China’s decision to slash the supply of urea – the main ingredient used in AdBlue, but also a common fertiliser for food crops.

Designed to help reduce exhaust gas emissions from modern diesel engines, the product is consumed in sparing amounts by passenger vehicles, but used in much larger quantities by truck fleets favoured by supermarket chains and courier companies.

In partnership with the Australian Government, Incitec Pivot will begin trialing production of technical-grade urea (TGU) in the coming months to help ensure future supply of AdBlue.