chemistry
Emission control agent Adblue could become scarce and more expensive
Tank filler cap for AdBlue and Diesel. The exhaust gas cleaning agent Adblue, which millions of diesel vehicles need, could become scarce and more expensive. Photo: picture alliance / Swen Pförtner / dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
The high gas prices also indirectly affect diesel drivers and the transport industry. Because they mean that less of an important component of the exhaust gas cleaning agent Adblue is produced.
The exhaust gas cleaning agent Adblue, which millions of diesel vehicles need, could become scarce and more expensive. The reason for the development is the current high gas prices, as ADAC and the chemical industry confirm.
Real supply gaps are currently not known, as emphasized, among other things, by the EU Commission.
The aqueous urea solution Adblue is used in diesel vehicles to remove nitrogen oxides from exhaust gases. According to ADAC, around every tenth car in Germany needs the substance to be able to drive. “If no more Adblue is refilled, the vehicle will not go out while the vehicle is running, but as soon as the engine is switched off, it can no longer be started,” says the traffic club. “Affected diesel drivers would then no longer be able to drive their vehicles without the emission control agent.”
It’s not that far yet: According to ADAC, most motorists only need to top up Adblue once or twice a year. Therefore, the traffic club also advises against stock purchases. And according to the Fuels und Energie trade association – the successor to the mineral oil trade association – the situation is currently “tense”, but there is no known supply gap. “Our member companies are monitoring the situation very closely and have taken precautions to maintain deliveries,” said a spokesman. The petroleum industry does not produce Adblue, but sells it at their petrol stations.
The manufacturer is the chemical industry. According to their association VCI, the tense situation is ultimately due to the sharp rise in gas prices, which is why ammonia production was throttled. This chemical, which is also used in fertilizers and many other products, is a central component for Adblue. According to the VCI, a relaxation is only to be expected from April after the end of the heating season, until then a price increase for Adblue is “not unlikely”.
The chemical company BASF says it has not reduced its Adblue production, but speaks of a “currently challenging market environment”. An attempt is made to «serve as much as possible» when there is an increased need for exhaust gas cleaning agents.
The ADAC also fears a price increase at Adblue. The Federal Association of Freight Transport, Logistics and Waste Management (BGL) has already noted significant increases in prices. The major concern for companies, however, is a real supply gap, because most trucks and buses could not be used without the drug. In comparison, the cost of the substance, which requires much less than, for example, fuel, takes a back seat. The association warns, however, that without Abblue the supply chains and the supply of the population would be endangered.
Both the ADAC and the BGL are calling for Adblue to be guaranteed. The Verkehrsclub sees the industry as an obligation, the BGL relies on a round table with politicians and manufacturers.