AdBlue diesel shortage: WA farmers join trucking sector in fears of supply threat to crucial vehicle additive

WA farmers have joined the national trucking industry in expressing concerns about a global shortage of an anti-pollution additive for modern diesel vehicles. They fear the supply crunch could force thousands of vehicles off the road and stop vital farm machines from operating at a critical time of year. There have already been reports of panic buying in some areas of WA. The trucking industry has warned it is at risk of shutting down because of a global shortage of high-grade urea which is needed to manufacture AdBlue. The additive — which is contained in a separate tank on modern diesel vehicles — is injected into the exhaust system to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides emitted into the atmosphere. That could stop a wide range of vital products reaching retailerss shelves ahead of Christmas. WA Farmers chief executive Trevor Whittington said the shortage could bring the agriculture industry to a standstill. He said short term, there were fears the lack of diesel — also used in newer headers — could affect the end of the harvest. The ability to shift grain to receival bins via modern trucks is also a concern. A prolonged shortage could block next year’s seeding program, Mr Whittington warned. “It’s also a concern we are just finding out about this now when we understand the issue and concerns have been floating around at a Federal Government level for some time,” Mr Whittington said. “We are worried that there could be stockpiling, putting further pressure on supplies. It’s also a big concern that industries like mining may get priority.” Western Roads Federation chief executive Cam Dumesny said without the additive, nearly half of WA’s heavy vehicle fleet will be unable to operate, and there are no realistically practical workarounds. Trucks registered after 2010 typically require AdBlue. National transport bodies NatRoad and Australian Trucking Association were meeting with with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce on Friday morning to press for urgent action. Earlier this week, Western Roads Federation provided briefs to other major WA business groups and the potential risk to the State. “If this global shortage continues to develop, then WA will be the most at-risk state in Australia”. Mr Dumesny said. AdBlue is made up of 32 per cent urea and 68 per cent de-ionised water. Australia is a substantial importer of urea, with 80 per cent of the Asia-Pacific’s supply of diesel exhaust fluid-grade urea coming from China, which has almost halted urea exports as part of an attempt to cool down local fertiliser prices. Australia only has eight weeks’ of supply left but there are fears it could run out earlier because of stockpiling. It is not only used in trucks. It is used in late-model civil construction and agricultural equipment, as well as diesel cars.