No Fuel For Old Vehicles: Petrol, Diesel Ban For EoL Vehicles Kicks In Across Delhi Today

In a sweeping move to tackle deteriorating air quality, Delhi authorities today enforced a ban on refuelling older vehicles across the capital. Effective immediately, petrol stations are prohibited from selling fuel to diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years of age.

The stringent measure, ordered by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), comes as part of Delhi's ongoing battle against toxic air pollution. Nearly 350 petrol pumps across the city have been identified for strict enforcement, with authorities warning that violating vehicles may be impounded on the spot, India Today reported.

A coordinated enforcement mechanism has been established involving Delhi Police monitoring the 100 busiest fuel stations, Transport Department officials overseeing 59 designated locations, Joint teams keeping vigil at 91 sensitive sites and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) staff covering the remaining outlets.

The crackdown draws legal authority from a 2018 Supreme Court order upholding the National Green Tribunal's 2014 prohibition on public parking of aged vehicles.

The fuel stations must now prominently display notices about the refuelling restrictions, maintain detailed logs of all denied fuel transactions, implement automated number plate recognition systems and conduct staff training on the new protocols.

"Any petrol pump found violating these directives will face strict penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act," warned a Transport Department spokesperson.

Official data reveals the enormity of the challenge:

Over 6.2 million End-of-Life vehicles in Delhi alone

Including 4.1 million outdated two-wheelers

An additional 4.6 million non-compliant vehicles in the NCR regions

Environmental Imperative

The move comes as Delhi's air quality continues to rank among the worst globally, with vehicular emissions accounting for nearly 30% of particulate pollution. Experts suggest the measure could remove about 20% of the most polluting vehicles from city roads.

Public Response

While environmental groups have welcomed the decision, many vehicle owners expressed frustration. "My 2008 diesel car still runs perfectly," complained one resident. "The government should offer better scrappage incentives."

Authorities maintain that weekly compliance reports will be reviewed by both the CAQM and Petroleum Ministry to ensure strict adherence. With winter pollution season approaching, officials indicate this may be the first of several tougher measures to clean Delhi's air.