Starting July 1, 2025, the Delhi government has enforced a fuel ban on older vehicles to tackle severe air pollution. Under this rule, diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years are denied fuel at city petrol pumps.
The move, led by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), uses ANPR camera technology to identify and block such vehicles across 498 fuel stations and major transport hubs. This policy is part of a broader plan to phase out end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in the NCR by 2026.
While it promises environmental benefits, including a significant reduction in PM2.5 and NOx emissions, the implementation faces technical challenges, data gaps, and resistance from the public. Experts caution that age-based bans are not a long-term fix and urge a multi-pronged approach that includes better vehicle maintenance, stricter emission checks, cleaner fuels, and public transport upgrades.
With over 6.2 million ELVs in Delhi alone, the ban marks a major step in India’s fight against urban air pollution—but highlights the need for deeper systemic reforms.
