Delhi to Ban Fuel Supply for Vehicles Older than 15 and 10 Years from April 1

New Delhi, March 1: In a major step to curb vehicular emissions and improve air quality, the Delhi government has announced that from April 1, 2025, petrol and diesel stations in the capital will stop supplying fuel to vehicles older than 15 years (petrol) and 10 years (diesel).

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa made the announcement following a high-level meeting with officials on Saturday, stating that fuel pumps will be equipped with devices to identify non-compliant vehicles and restrict fuel supply accordingly.

Implementation Strategy​

• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas will be informed about the decision, and fuel pump owners will be officially notified.
• Delhi has over 425 petrol and diesel stations, which will be equipped with AI-enabled cameras to detect vehicle age and compliance.
• The city is also deploying teams to ensure overage vehicles are either barred from entry or removed if already present.
• CNG-driven public transport is also set for a major overhaul, with 90% of buses being replaced with electric buses by December 2025.

AI-Enabled Cameras for Enforcement​

The Delhi government has already begun installing AI-enabled surveillance cameras at fuel stations to detect violations of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification. These cameras will now be upgraded to identify vehicle age and enforce the fuel ban effectively.

Impact on Delhi’s Pollution​

According to estimates, Delhi has around 55 lakh overage vehicles, comprising:

• 66% two-wheelers
• 54% four-wheelers

A report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in November highlighted that vehicular emissions are the largest contributor to Delhi’s winter pollution, surpassing stubble burning and road dust.

Industry and Legal Backing​

Nischal Singhania, President of the Delhi Petrol Dealers Association, welcomed the move, noting that the Supreme Court had already banned such vehicles in Delhi.

The new regulation aligns with:

• 2018 Supreme Court ruling banning diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.
• 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order, which prohibits parking of overage vehicles in public areas.

This initiative underscores the Delhi government’s commitment to tackling air pollution and transitioning toward cleaner, sustainable transport solutions.