Delhi Fuel Ban: 80% of Vehicle Owners Reject Policy, Survey Finds

As many as 8 out of 10 vehicle owners in Delhi oppose the government's fuel ban on old vehicles, a recent LocalCircles survey has revealed. The policy, which bars fuel stations from dispensing petrol to vehicles over 15 years old and diesel to vehicles over 10 years old, affects approximately 6.2 million end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in the capital. This move has triggered widespread public dissatisfaction, particularly among two-wheeler owners.

Two-Wheelers Hit Hardest by the Fuel Ban

The survey indicates a stark divide between vehicle types. While 87% of two-wheeler owners oppose the fuel ban, only 44% of four-wheeler owners feel the same. Considering two-wheelers account for around 70% of ELVs, this reflects significant disruption to daily commuters, especially among the lower-income demographic who depend on affordable, older bikes.

Owners argue that the ban penalises them unfairly, despite their vehicles being well-maintained and compliant with emission norms. Many say they are unable to afford new vehicles, raising concerns about economic exclusion and transport accessibility.

Policy Criticised as Arbitrary and Elitist

Critics on social media and public forums have labelled the ban "elitist" and "arbitrary," saying it punishes the poor while doing little to address major pollution sources. The survey found 65% of Delhi residents believe the government should have first focused on other pollution reduction strategies, such as:

Tackling stubble burning

Deploying mechanised street-cleaning

Enforcing bans on garbage burning

Reducing construction dust

These measures, many argue, would yield greater improvements in Delhi's air quality than restricting fuel access to older vehicles.

ANPR Cameras and Enforcement Strategy

To implement the ban, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed at over 500 fuel stations to detect and block non-compliant vehicles. On Day 1, 24 vehicles (mostly two-wheelers) were impounded, and owners fined.

The Delhi Transport Department, Delhi Police, and the Municipal Corporation are jointly enforcing the order. However, fuel pump operators have expressed concern over angry confrontations with affected customers and have asked for police protection at stations.

CM Rekha Gupta Defends the Fuel Ban

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has defended the policy, saying it is in line with Supreme Court orders and the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) guidelines. She emphasized that the move is regulatory, not political, and blamed previous governments for delaying action on vehicular pollution.

Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh added that court orders from 2014 onward compelled the current government to implement the fuel ban without further delay.

The LocalCircles survey collected over 33,000 responses from across Delhi's 11 districts, with 67% male and 33% female participation. It sought to gauge citizen sentiment on the fuel ban and examine public support for alternative pollution control measures.