Delhi Enforces Fuel Ban On Old Vehicles
Delhi has recently implemented a fuel ban on older vehicles to tackle rising air pollution. Diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old are now denied fuel at petrol pumps. This move is part of a larger strategy by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to phase out end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) by 2026. Despite the environmental benefits, the policy faces operational challenges and resistance from vehicle owners.
Background of Delhi’s Fuel Ban Policy
The fuel ban began on 1 July 2025. It prohibits diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from receiving fuel in Delhi. The CAQM ordered a phased denial of fuel across the NCR. Delhi’s enforcement started first, followed by high-density NCR districts from November 2025 and the rest by April 2026.
Technology Used for Enforcement
Delhi installed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at 498 fuel stations and three interstate bus terminals. These cameras scan vehicle plates in real time and compare them with the VAHAN national vehicle database. An audio alert sounds if an ELV is detected. The vehicle is then refused fuel and may be impounded unless exemptions apply.
Challenges in Implementation
The Delhi government has brought into light several issues. Technological glitches in ANPR cameras, sensor failures, and faulty speakers reduce enforcement efficiency. Problems with high-security registration plates (HSRPs) also cause misidentification. Lack of data integration with neighbouring NCR states allows vehicle owners to bypass the ban by refuelling outside Delhi. These issues have led to public dissatisfaction and calls for a pause in enforcement.
Scale and Impact of the Ban
According to VAHAN, Delhi has about 6.2 million ELVs, including 4.1 million two-wheelers and 1.8 million four-wheelers. NCR districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have millions more. Older vehicles, especially those predating Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms, emit higher pollutants. Pre-BS-VI vehicles release up to five times more particulate matter than BS-VI vehicles.
Legal Framework Supporting the Ban
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued directives in 2015 banning diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from Delhi roads. The Supreme Court upheld these orders in 2018. Delhi’s Motor Vehicles Act and recent Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025, mandate scrapping of vehicles within 180 days of registration expiry. These laws provide a strong legal basis for the fuel ban.
Environmental Significance
Transport emissions contribute heavily to Delhi’s poor air quality. They account for 28% of PM2.5, 41% of sulphur dioxide, and 78% of nitrogen oxide emissions in the NCR. Removing old, polluting vehicles is expected to reduce these pollutants and improve public health.
Limitations and Future Directions
Experts say banning old vehicles alone cannot solve Delhi’s air pollution crisis. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) warns that age-based bans are not scalable nationwide. Poor vehicle maintenance and technical faults also cause pollution regardless of age. CSE recommends improving fuel quality, enforcing pollution control tests, and expanding public transport as complementary measures.
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