Scott Morrison has given the green light for a specialist taskforce to ensure the reliable and ongoing supply of diesel exhaust fluid AdBlue.
The announcement follows the the Australian Trucking Association’s calls for a specialised effort to solve the supply shortage after talks broke down at a round-table discussion last week.
The federal government says there are multiple shipments of refined urea currently on their way to Australia, which are estimated to provide over 2 weeks of additional supply to the market.
Advice provided to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources from AdBlue manufacturers is that this is within range of normal stockholding levels.
Industry is also reporting that other international supply chains are open and operating, a positive indication of ongoing supply options in the medium term.
ATA Chair, David Smith says the decision to establish the taskforce shows the AdBlue issue is now at the top of the government’s agenda.
“We’re think this is a good outcome. We have been calling for government to make resolving this issue a priority,” he says.
“It appears that Minister Taylor has listened to our calls and is putting the AdBlue shortage at the top of government’s priority list.”
Angus Taylor, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction says businesses and consumers buying additional stocks is unnecessary and unhelpful, and urged industry to continue operating as per usual and maintain normal levels of AdBlue.
“Global supply pressures, stemming from increased domestic use in China, have led to international issues in securing refined urea, which is key to producing AdBlue. This is exacerbated by the global shortage of natural gas, the essential ingredient used to make urea,” he says.
“I can assure Australians that the Government is working to ensure we do not face any shortages. We are pursuing a range of measures to address global pressures in the urea market. We will keep our trucks running and Australian motorists on the road.”
The Taskforce will work across government and with industry to develop solutions to any potential future supply constraints. Options being explored include alternative international supply options for refined urea, bolstering local manufacturing capabilities and technical options at the vehicle level.
The Government is working with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and industry on whether an authorisation is needed to allow Australian diesel exhaust fluid producers to share information.