Delhi Imposes Fuel Pump Ban on Older Vehicles to Tackle Air Pollution

In a major step toward curbing pollution, the Delhi government has enforced a ban on refueling petrol and diesel vehicles that exceed the permissible age limit. Effective from today, fuel stations across the capital have been instructed not to provide fuel to:

• Petrol vehicles older than 15 years
• Diesel vehicles older than 10 years

This initiative is in line with orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Delhi Transport Department’s ongoing campaign to reduce vehicular emissions, which are a major contributor to Delhi’s worsening air quality.

View this post on Instagram

Why This Ban Matters

Delhi frequently ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. A large portion of this pollution is attributed to aging vehicles that lack modern emission controls. The ban is part of a broader effort to phase out older, high-polluting vehicles and promote cleaner, greener alternatives.

Transport officials have stated that this step is not only environmental but also legal. According to existing regulations:

• Petrol vehicles are deregistered after 15 years
• Diesel vehicles are deregistered after 10 years

Despite deregistration, many such vehicles have been found on the roads, continuing to emit harmful pollutants. The new enforcement at the fuel pump level is expected to make it harder for these vehicles to operate.

Enforcement and Penalties

Fuel pump operators have been warned of strict penalties for violations. Additionally, enforcement teams will conduct random checks to ensure compliance. The Transport Department has also encouraged citizens to report violations via helplines and mobile apps.

Public Reaction

While environmentalists have welcomed the move, some vehicle owners have raised concerns about sudden enforcement and lack of awareness. Several commuters expressed difficulty in transitioning to new vehicles amid financial constraints.

What Vehicle Owners Should Know:

• Check your vehicle’s registration date via the Parivahan portal.
• If your vehicle falls into the banned category, it cannot be legally refueled or used in Delhi.
• Consider switching to electric vehicles or CNG alternatives, which are exempt from this rule.

Looking Ahead

The ban aligns with Delhi’s broader goals under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and Clean Air initiatives. More policies targeting polluting vehicles and promoting sustainable transport modes are expected in the coming months.