A fuel ban targeting end-of-life (EoL) vehicles officially came into effect in Delhi on July 1, 2025, prohibiting petrol stations from dispensing fuel to petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. The initiative, led by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and enforced by the Delhi Transport Department, aims to combat vehicular pollution in the city. Despite the scale of the directive, only 80 EoL vehicles were impounded on day one, with Delhi Transport Commissioner Niharika Rai attributing the low numbers to reduced traffic at fuel stations. Official records indicate that over 60 lakh such vehicles exist in the capital, many of which are still in active use, with data showing more than 62 lakh EoL vehicles registered in the VAHAN database.
To support enforcement, Delhi has deployed Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems across 498 fuel stations and three ISBTs. These high-tech cameras scan vehicle plates, cross-reference them with the VAHAN database, and flag non-compliant vehicles instantly. Refueling is denied on the spot, and alerts are sent to enforcement teams for impoundment and legal proceedings. Violating fuel stations face penalties under Section 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, while vehicle owners risk seizure and scrapping of their vehicles. Between June 1 and June 23 alone, 77.8 lakh vehicles were screened, identifying 1.36 lakh EoL vehicles. Simultaneously, 8.05 lakh vehicles renewed their Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), reflecting rising awareness.
Delhi Police and transport officials continue monitoring high-risk locations in real time, supported by over 100 enforcement teams. Special CP Traffic Management Ajay Chaudhary noted that most seizures involved two-wheelers, and attributed low EoL turnout to heightened awareness through media outreach. The fuel ban is set to expand to Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat starting November 1, 2025, with the remaining National Capital Region (NCR) areas following suit from April 1, 2026. Fuel station operators are required to display ban notices and report weekly compliance, forming part of a broader strategy to tackle Delhi’s deteriorating air quality.
