A friend with a diesel-powered Porsche Macan SUV raised the issue of a looming shortage of the diesel fuel additive AdBlue this week suggesting he may have to park his vehicle if he can’t find supply.

What is AdBlue – this anti-pollutant technically known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF – is a liquid which sits in a separate tank on modern diesel vehicles and is mixed into the exhaust to reduce the level of harmful emissions. A key ingredient in AdBlue known as Urea is in dangerously short world supply due to China closing its exports of refined Urea.

The transport industry is most concerned that while domestic stocks will last over the busy Xmas period alternative sources will need to be found quickly to avert supply chain shortages in the new year already stretched by the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage will also impact agriculture and is of particular concern for emergency service and fire fighting vehicles.

I’m David Berthon.

Position to add fuel and to add AdBlue fluid to the passenger car

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