Agriculture minister David Littleproud has warned Australians against panic buying a key diesel exhaust fuel ingredient vital to keeping the country's freight and logistics sectors on track.
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Mr Littleproud said the unnecessary stockpiling of the diesel exhaust fluid AdBlue would lead to worse outcomes.
"We're saying to people please don't rush out and make unnecessary purchases. If we just stick to our normal behaviours it will be OK," he told Sky News.
It comes as Australia is set to scale up the manufacturing of urea, a key ingredient of AdBlue, after a global shortage left the country with around seven weeks' supply when China restricted exports.
The federal government and fertiliser manufacturer Incitec Pivot struck an agreement to significantly increase the local production of urea.
The company will design, trial and, once tests are successful, scale up manufacturing of significant quantities of technical grade urea to supply the domestic market.
Indonesia is giving Australia 5000 tonnes of refined urea in January. Trade Minister Dan Tehan said this was enough for about a month's worth of AdBlue.
"By working closely with our partners, we have been able to secure this critical supply for Australia," he said.
"We will continue to strengthen our close relationships around the world to support and further Australia's interests."
He flagged approaches to shore up supply with countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Japan.
Korea in November sent Australia 27,000 litres of urea.
Australian Associated Press
