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Delhi’s fuel ban comes into effect today, impacting 2.9+ lakh older diesel and petrol vehicles. Find out which vehicles are restricted, why this rule was enforced, and how it affects you
In a major step to curb pollution and enforce green transport policies, the Delhi government has officially banned refueling of certain older vehicles from July 1, 2025. The move, affecting over 2.9 lakh petrol and diesel vehicles, is aimed at enforcing the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court mandates that restrict usage of aging internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The enforcement begins immediately across all petrol pumps in Delhi, with fuel station operators directed not to supply petrol or diesel to banned vehicles. Transport authorities and environmental activists have praised the crackdown, calling it essential to improving Delhi’s notoriously poor air quality.
Let’s break down the details — which vehicles are banned, why the rule has been enforced, the impact on daily commuters, penalties, and what this means for the future of mobility in Delhi.
The fuel ban in Delhi is part of a larger strategy to implement the 15-year ban on petrol vehicles and 10-year ban on diesel vehicles, as per NGT and Supreme Court orders.
Starting July 1, 2025, all petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years are not allowed to refuel at any petrol station in Delhi. The ban applies regardless of the vehicle’s fitness certificate or maintenance condition.
The Transport Department has directed petrol pump owners across the city to:
- Verify registration details via the Vahan portal.
- Deny fuel supply to all ineligible vehicles.
- Display notices warning of the prohibition.
- Cooperate with enforcement teams, who will randomly inspect pumps.
According to Delhi’s Transport Commissioner’s office, approximately:
- 1.9 lakh diesel vehicles over 10 years old.
- 1 lakh petrol vehicles over 15 years old.
That brings the total to nearly 2.9 lakh vehicles, which have been flagged in the Vahan database and declared “No Longer Valid (NLV)” for use within Delhi’s limits.
These numbers are likely to rise as more vehicles cross the threshold each month. The Transport Department is coordinating with the Petroleum Dealers Association to ensure compliance.
Delhi has consistently ranked among the most polluted cities in the world, particularly during winters when the Air Quality Index (AQI) touches hazardous levels.
Key reasons for enforcing the ban include:
- Vehicular emissions contribute 38–40% of Delhi’s air pollution.
- Older vehicles, especially diesel ones, emit higher levels of PM2.5 and NOx.
- Studies show vehicles beyond the 10–15 year age bracket are 15–25 times more polluting than BS-VI compliant engines.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had also advised stricter enforcement of green mobility norms to meet India’s climate goals and Delhi’s urban health safety standards.
The ban is supported by several binding court and environmental body rulings, including:
- Supreme Court (2018): Prohibited diesel vehicles over 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years in Delhi-NCR.
- NGT Orders (2015): Reinforced immediate deregistration of such vehicles.
- Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules: Enforces registration cancellation and no-fuel directives for banned vehicles.
- Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA): Recommended real-time deregistration and RFID monitoring.
Vehicle seizure by Delhi Traffic Police or Transport Department.
Fines up to ₹10,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act.
De-registration and removal from the Vahan system.
Insurance cancellation due to non-compliance.
Yes, the ban includes limited exemptions for certain vehicle categories:
- Government vehicles used for emergency or defense.
- Vintage vehicles, provided they’re registered as vintage/classic under CMVR rules.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles are fully exempt as part of Delhi’s EV policy.
Note: Vehicles registered outside Delhi but operating within NCR must also comply with Delhi’s green rules when within its jurisdiction.
If your vehicle falls into the banned category, here’s what you can do:
- De-register the vehicle officially via the Vahan portal.
- Apply for scrappage under Delhi’s vehicle scrapping policy and earn incentives.
- Switch to EVs: The Delhi government offers up to ₹30,000 incentives on electric two-wheelers and up to ₹1.5 lakh for four-wheelers under its Electric Vehicle Policy.
- Opt for CNG conversion, though this is only applicable to certain petrol engines under 15 years of age.
- Use public transport or carpooling, especially if you don’t plan to buy a new vehicle immediately.
The move has triggered a mixed response from the public:
Supporters say:
- It’s high time Delhi cracked down on outdated polluting vehicles.
- Citizens must prioritize the environment over convenience.
- Incentives for electric vehicles make the transition feasible.
- The timing is harsh, especially for middle-class families still recovering financially post-COVID.
- Some well-maintained vehicles have been unfairly targeted.
- Infrastructure for EVs, such as charging stations, remains inadequate in many parts of the city.
Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot responded, stating:
“Delhi’s future lies in clean and green transportation. We understand the challenges but pollution demands urgent steps. We will continue to support citizens during this transition.”
Petrol pump operators have received official directives with system integration to identify banned vehicles using registration numbers. At some stations:
- Cameras integrated with Vahan database automatically flag old vehicles.
- Manual checks are being done in high-traffic areas.
- Posters and signboards warn customers of the fuel ban.
Non-compliant petrol stations may face:
- Fines or suspension of license under Delhi Petroleum Trade Acts.
- Audit and inspection raids by joint task forces of the Environment and Transport departments.
This move is part of Delhi’s long-term plan to shift to a fully electric public transport system by 2030. Other upcoming actions include:
- Phasing out all diesel buses from the Delhi Transport Corporation fleet.
- Installation of 2000+ EV charging points citywide by end of 2025.
- New e-auto permits and subsidies under the Delhi EV Policy 2.0 (to be unveiled in September 2025).
