NCR Fights Pollution: Delhi Fuel Ban for Old Vehicles Begins Today

As of today, July 1, 2025, Delhi has started a major new effort to fight its serious air pollution problem. If you own a petrol or CNG car older than 15 years, or a diesel car older than 10 years, you won't be able to buy fuel at any petrol pump in Delhi. This rule applies no matter where your vehicle is registered. 

This move comes as older vehicles, particularly those operating below BS-VI emission standards, have significantly higher emission potential. For instance, a BS4 vehicle emits 5.5 times more particulate matter (PM) than a BS6 vehicle.

How Does the Delhi Fuel Ban Work?

To make sure everyone follows the new rule, petrol pumps across Delhi have installed CCTV cameras, speakers, and special cameras that read number plates (ANPR). These ANPR cameras are connected to a national vehicle database. When an old vehicle is identified, the system tells the petrol pump staff and plays a warning message for the driver.

Petrol stations must also keep records of times they've refused to sell fuel and display clear signs saying: "No fuel for End-of-Life Vehicles: 15-year-old Petrol, 10-year-old Diesel, effective 01.07.2025.”

How is the Delhi Government Taking Action?

Authorities have already started taking action. Two old motorcycles were seized at a petrol pump in central Delhi. These vehicles will be sent to official scrapping facilities, and their owners will get money for the scrap value.

Cranes are ready at some petrol pumps to quickly remove vehicles that are caught breaking the rule. Penalties for seized vehicles include fines of ₹5,000 for two-wheelers and ₹10,000 for four-wheelers, plus towing and storage costs.

What's Next?

This fuel ban is happening in stages. After Delhi, the rule will spread to nearby cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Sonipat starting November 1, 2025. By April 2026, the rest of the National Capital Region (NCR) will also be included.

Also, from November 2025, non-BS VI compliant vehicles from other states will be barred from entering Delhi, unless they run on cleaner fuels like CNG, LNG, or electricity.

Why Was the Delhi Fuel Ban Rule Introduced?

This new rule is part of a bigger plan by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reduce pollution from vehicles in Delhi and the surrounding areas. Delhi often has very unhealthy air, so these steps are designed to curb pollution at its source. Petrol pump owners have said they will fully support this new rule. They are also asking the public to understand why this is necessary and to cooperate peacefully at petrol stations.

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Conclusion

The implementation of Delhi's fuel ban on End-of-Life vehicles is a significant and necessary step in the ongoing battle against severe air pollution. While it presents immediate challenges for owners of older vehicles and petrol pump operators, this strict measure underscores Delhi's commitment to improving air quality.

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