ACCC allows industry collaboration on AdBlue

Australia’s competition regulator has granted interim authorisation allowing manufacturers to work together to address looming shortages of AdBlue.

Supplies diesel exhaust fluid, used in diesel vehicles to control emissions, are under threat as refined urea - the key ingredient used in its production – is in short supply.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair Rod Sims said the interim authorisation would allow manufacturers to cooperate in a number of ways without breaching competition laws.

“This permits the industry, in conjunction with government, to co-ordinate and respond more quickly and effectively to any supply constraints of urea,” Mr Sims said.

Stakeholders will be able to share information about stock levels, supply channels and manufacturing opportunities and priority access.  

“This enables AdBlue manufacturers and the Australian Government to consider the best way to respond to any potential future supply constraints,” Mr Sims said.

“The manufacturers’ co-ordination of their response with the Government is an important step in providing a regular supply of AdBlue which is critical to our nation’s transportation sector, food production and the broader economy.”

“Importantly the coordination allowed under the interim authorisation can only occur with the oversight of the Federal Government.”

AdBlue manufacturers are also required to invite the ACCC to any meetings where these issues are discussed.