Delhi Government To Rethink Its Fuel Ban After Backlash

Update:4 July 2025-  Amid widespread criticism over its decision to ban fuel for older vehicles, the Delhi Government has clarified that end-of-life vehicles will not be impounded. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting the city’s air quality but will also ensure that residents are not unfairly penalized. 

He stated that a new policy framework is being considered for managing ageing vehicles more effectively. The announcement comes in response to concerns that the blanket fuel ban contradicts India’s repair-oriented and sustainable approach, making it seem culturally and practically inappropriate. 

In a related move, Sirsa wrote to the Commission for Air Quality Management urging an immediate suspension of Direction No. 89, which governs the enforcement of the ban, until the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system is fully operational throughout the National Capital Region. He expressed confidence that Delhi’s multifaceted pollution control efforts would continue to yield significant results.

CAQM

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) will be responsible for enforcing the ban. They have already notified fuel stations to stop selling fuel to end-of-life (EOL) vehicles from July 1 and have installed Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras have been installed in nearly 500 out of 520 fuel stations, with the rest of the stations expected to be covered by the end of June.

 The cameras will scan vehicle number plates to check their age through the VAHAN database, and if found to be older than the limit, an alert will be received by the enforcement agency. The fuel stations are also legally required to comply, and any malpractices will result in legal action by the authorities.

Older Vehicles

If any vehicle older than the limit is found, the government will be required to impound the vehicle and send it for scrapping under the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) rules. It is also to be noted that the rule applies to cars registered in all states. Fuel stations are required to refuse fuelling to cars older than the limit. 

What’s Next

The rule is expected to be implemented not just in Delhi but in five high-traffic NCR cities by November. These cities include Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat. From April 1, 2026, this will be further extended to all remaining parts of the NCR. 

This rule comes as a part of combating air pollution and is by far the strictest decision ever taken. For now, we suggest being a bit cautious if you are considering buying a used petrol or diesel car, and make sure to check its age and registration year carefully.