Delhi Bans Fuel for Old Vehicles | New Policy to Curb Air Pollution 2025

New Delhi, July 1, 2025 – In a bold step to address the city’s persistent air pollution woes, the Delhi government has officially prohibited the sale of fuel to older vehicles starting today. Petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles exceeding 10 years are now barred from refuelling at any petrol, diesel, or CNG station across the capital.

This decisive action, led by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and executed by the Delhi Transport Department in partnership with Delhi Police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), is aimed at phasing out “end-of-life” (EOL) vehicles. The regulation applies to all vehicles, regardless of their state of registration, meaning both Delhi-registered and out-of-state vehicles are subject to the ban.

Widespread Monitoring Across Delhi’s Fuel Stations

Over 350 fuel stations in Delhi are now under strict surveillance, with traffic police, transport officials, and MCD personnel stationed on-site. Advanced Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed to instantly identify vehicles that violate the new age restrictions. If an EOL vehicle attempts to refuel, enforcement teams receive immediate alerts and are authorized to issue fines or impound the vehicle right at the station.

Fuel station staff have undergone special training to enforce the new rules, and every station must prominently display notices warning that fuel will not be dispensed to overage vehicles. Any fuel outlet found violating these guidelines faces penalties under Section 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Beyond Fuel Pumps: Citywide Crackdown

The impact of the ban is felt beyond the boundaries of fuel stations.Old vehicles parked in public areas, including residential complexes, are also at risk of being towed or seized. It is estimated that this policy will impact over 6.2 million vehicles in Delhi, with two-wheelers making up a significant portion.

Legal Foundation and Environmental Goals

This initiative builds on previous Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives, which called for the removal of aged vehicles from Delhi’s roads and public spaces. By enforcing the fuel ban, authorities aim to drastically reduce vehicular emissions and improve the city’s air quality.

NCR Expansion Scheduled

The policy will expand to neighbouring NCR areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida (Gautam Budh Nagar), and Sonipat beginning November 1, 2025.The policy will be extended to all remaining NCR areas by April 2026.

Mixed Public Response and Way Forward

While many Delhi residents welcome the move as a necessary step for cleaner air, others have voiced concerns about the impact on vehicle owners and daily commuters. The government, however, stands firm, emphasizing the urgent need to protect public health.

Key Highlights:

• Fuel sales banned for petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old in Delhi from July 1, 2025.
• More than 350 petrol pumps across the city are now monitored by ANPR cameras and staffed with enforcement officials.
• Offending vehicles may be fined or impounded; ban applies to parked vehicles as well.
• Policy to extend to NCR cities from November 2025 and rest of NCR by April 2026.
• Action is in line with Supreme Court and NGT directives to improve air quality.

The Delhi government urges all motorists to comply with the new regulations and support the city’s mission for cleaner, healthier air.