AdBlue is in danger of becoming scarce and expensive

The shortage of chips and the raw material magnesium is known. Shortages that cause long waiting times for a new camper or caravan. But now it also appears that AdBlue, a fuel additive in diesel engines with Euronorm 5 and 6, will also become scarcer and therefore more expensive.

An owner of a fairly new diesel is familiar with it. In addition to diesel, the AdBlue tank must also be refilled regularly. This is possible at almost any gas station. This means the diesel engine complies with the clean Euro standard 5 or even 6d. Without it, these diesels will eventually no longer start. After diesel itself experienced a price explosion, there is now a threat of scarcity and a higher price for this addition.

Bothered by the gas price

The cause of the malaise in AdBlueland is the high gas price. This has a considerable influence on the price of an AdBlue jerry can. Gas is needed to make ammonia, the raw material for AdBlue. And due to the high gas price, there are factories that are reducing production. For example at BASF in Germany. Production is also limited in Italy, with one factory even stopped completely.

Stock up on AdBlue: be careful

The ADAC, the German equivalent of the ANWB, calls on diesel drivers to consider whether it is worthwhile to build up a stock. However, this depends on the consumption or the number of kilometers to be driven. AdBlue consumption is only 3 to 5% of diesel consumption. If you are a mile-eater, it may be worthwhile to buy some extra cans. But if you usually refuel once a year, an extra supply does not make much sense.

In addition, the ADAC warns against storing AdBlue. A stock of AdBlue should not be left in the sun or exposed to temperatures above 30 degrees. The best storage temperature is between 5 and 20 degrees. The fuel additive freezes from -11,5 degrees. But after thawing it can be used again. It can be kept for 25 months at a temperature of up to 18 degrees. At 30 degrees this is reduced to 12 months. The substance will then slowly turn into ammonia. Furthermore, do not use used oil or diesel jerry cans for storage. Contaminated AdBlue loses its effectiveness and the question is whether that is good for the fuel system.

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