The federal government will begin stockpiling key AdBlue ingredients, much to the relief of NatRoad
The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has given a resounding thumbs-up to the federal government’s announcement that it will create a stockpile of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and build Australia’s manufacturing capacity of the product.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says the $49.5 million package announced this morning by energy minister Chris Bowen was just what the doctor ordered.
“NatRoad has been relentless in its campaign for the government to secure supplies of this essential product, without which most of the country’s trucks will shudder to a halt,” Clark says.
“This four-year funding package over four years will establish an emergency stockpile of Technical Grade Urea, the key ingredient of AdBlue.
“Equally important, it will help establish a new sovereign manufacturing capability with the imminent closure of the only local plant, and increase market transparency.”
Clark says the retail price of AdBlue at retail was still too high.
“The government needs to keep engaging with industry and that includes road transport operators who are at the coal-face,” he said.
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“The government’s commitment to collection of voluntary data from industry is a step in the right direction.
“The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission needs to increase its scrutiny and apply its powers where gouging is occurring.
“Providing grants to manufacturers to start up local production won’t solve all the issues overnight but it puts us on the right track.
“Creating a national stockpile is a forward-thinking move that will tide industry over in the event of another disruption to overseas supplies.”