Delhi Delays Fuel Ban for Old Vehicles Amid Public Concerns

Fuel Ban Postponed Until November

On Tuesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management announced a postponement of its order that would have prohibited fuel supply to older vehicles in Delhi, now set to take effect on November 1. This decision was made due to technological challenges and worries regarding cross-border fueling.

The enforcement of this restriction will now occur simultaneously in Delhi and five neighboring districts with high vehicle density: Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Sonipat. The ban is scheduled to extend to the entire National Capital Region starting April 1, 2026.

Initially implemented on July 1, the ban aimed to phase out vehicles that have reached the end of their life cycle to combat air pollution. Under this directive, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years were prohibited from refueling.

In the recent order, the Commission instructed the Transport Department officials in Delhi and surrounding states to ensure the effective installation of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.

The order emphasized the need for timely trials of the ANPR system and adequate training for personnel. It also called for widespread communication of this directive to all stakeholders, including fuel stations, to ensure strict compliance.

The decision to delay the enforcement was influenced by concerns raised by the Delhi government regarding public inconvenience and potential implementation challenges.

Although the Delhi government initially supported the ban, public backlash prompted a reevaluation. On July 3, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa formally requested the Commission to suspend the order, citing operational and infrastructural difficulties.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced plans to approach the Supreme Court for uniform regulations on end-of-life vehicles in Delhi, aligning with standards observed in other regions of the country.

She stated, "The parameters that apply nationwide should also be applicable in Delhi. We aim to ensure that residents do not face any inconvenience."

Government's Response to the Delay

Chief Minister Gupta praised the postponement of the ban on end-of-life vehicles as a "commendable decision," highlighting a balanced approach that considers both environmental issues and the livelihoods of citizens.

She indicated that the additional time provided by the Commission would be utilized to develop a long-term, practical solution while offering further relief to the residents.

"While protecting the environment is crucial, it is equally important that decisions do not adversely affect the dignity and livelihoods of ordinary citizens," Gupta remarked.

The environment minister also expressed approval of the decision, labeling it a "major relief" for the city. Sirsa noted that the Commission's responsiveness to public concerns was significant, stating, "This is a substantial relief for the people of Delhi."

He raised concerns regarding the fate of approximately 80,000 vehicles that had been marked for scrapping from July 1 until Tuesday, questioning their whereabouts, especially since Delhi lacks an authorized vehicle scrapping facility. "Where did these valuable cars go?" he asked.