Australia has experienced plenty of supermarket shortages since the pandemic began. The emerging crisis now is a bit different. | ABC News

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They’re blaming AdBlue, a diesel additive that is injected into the exhaust systems of modern diesel vehicles and is a legal requirement for trucks in Australia as it helps to reduce emissions.
Supermarket shelves could be empty?
Yes, they are.
Key shortage leaves trucks parked across the country and strangles supplies of even the most essential goods.
Trucking companies have warned thousands of vehicles will be taken off the road without a major government intervention, while a major supermarket chain has said it is “monitoring the situation carefully”.
It all comes down to a shortage of AdBlue – a crucial diesel exhaust fluid that is already in short supply and likely to run out altogether by February.
AdBlue is injected into the exhaust systems of modern diesel vehicles and is a legal requirement for trucks in Australia as it helps to reduce emissions.
But Australia faces a major shortage of urea – a key ingredient of AdBlue – because its main supplier China has banned the export of the product in an attempt to drive down domestic fertiliser prices.

As Aussies once again face bare supermarket shelves, an expert has warned things will only get worse unless urgent action is taken.
As Omicron tears through Australia, countless workers are being forced into isolation as a result of state-mandated Covid contact rules.
The situation is impacting all elements of the supply chain, including supermarket giants Coles and Woolies, which are reporting staff shortages at distribution centres of up to 35 per cent, according to The Australian.
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