Diesel drivers face a shortage of Adblue due to high gas prices

Because of the high gas prices
After expensive fuel prices: Diesel drivers face Adblue shortages

The high gas prices could have other consequences for diesel drivers: They have a negative effect on the Adblue supply. This is because gas is required to produce the urea solution. Ammonia is made from this. That, in turn, is the basic ingredient of Adblue. The high gas prices make the production of ammonia uneconomical, which could lead to a shortage of the adblues often required for the operation of diesel vehicles.

The chemical giant BASF already shut down its production at its sites in Ludwigshafen and Antwerp at the end of September due to the high gas prices. In mid-October, Germany’s largest producer, SKW nitrogen works in Piesteritz, also expressed concern about the situation. It is even more dramatic in Italy: The country’s largest Adblue plant has announced a four-week break in production.

In Germany, the mineral oil trade association MWV is observing the situation with increased attention. “We are currently not aware of a supply gap at Adblue. However, we are aware of the situation,” says a MWV spokesman. How the situation in terms of prices and supply will develop is difficult to assess. In the medium term, however, the warehouses should still be well filled.

Diesel drivers do not necessarily need an Adblue supply

If there was a shortage of Adblue, numerous people would be affected. It would affect drivers of newer diesel cars complying with the Euro 5 and, above all, Euro 6 emissions standards. A so-called SCR catalytic converter with urea injection has also been mandatory for trucks complying with the Euro 5 and 6 standards since 2008. In addition, numerous construction machines and ships are dependent on the urea solution.

So, as a precaution, should you stock up on Adblue while the exhaust gas cleaner is still available at petrol stations or hardware stores? The ADAC advises diesel drivers to weigh up whether the precautionary purchase is actually worthwhile. Because the Adblue consumption depends on the respective vehicle and the route traveled. It is three to five percent of fuel consumption. Most diesel drivers only need to top up once or twice a year. For frequent drivers, however, a supply could be worthwhile.

It should be noted that the urea solution should be stored at certain ambient temperatures. These are between five and 20 degrees. The shelf life is at least 18 months. But caution is advised, because even the slightest contamination of the solution can render the Adblue unusable or damage the vehicle.

Sources: ADAC, t-online