Delhi Government Finds Fuel Ban Unfeasible: Here’s Why

The Delhi Government has raised concerns about implementing a fuel ban for end-of-life (EOL) vehicles, citing significant technological and operational challenges with the automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system.

Whilst the Government of Delhi remains committed to phasing out older, polluting vehicles through its comprehensive Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025, officials have highlighted several critical issues that make immediate implementation of the fuel ban unfeasible.

For starters, ANPR cameras installed at fuel stations across Delhi are experiencing multiple technical problems that undermine the system's reliability. Key issues include malfunctioning sensors, non-functional speakers, improper camera placement, and various technological glitches that affect accurate vehicle identification.

(Also Read: Delhi Rolls Out Fuel Ban for Older Cars—Is Your Vehicle Affected?)

The system also struggles to identify EOL vehicles fitted with High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) and lacks full integration with databases from neighbouring National Capital Region (NCR) states.

Secondly, Delhi Government officials warn that implementing the fuel ban only within Delhi's boundaries could prove counterproductive. Vehicle owners may simply purchase fuel from adjacent districts such as Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, potentially creating an illegal cross-border fuel market. Additionally, fuel pumps in neighbouring states have not yet been installed with ANPR cameras, making coordinated enforcement across the NCR impossible at present.

While the fuel ban is being revoked, the Delhi Government also assured that it is taking the necessary initiatives to combat vehicular pollution. From planting trees to cloud seeding technology and even introducing a new policy for Pollution Under Control certificates. The Delhi Government will also install anti-smog infrastructure on high-rise commercial buildings. Plu,s all construction buildings measuring 500 sq.ft will have to install monitoring devices, and register with the Delhi Pollution Control as well. Additionally, the government will also send smart SMS alerts and notify vehicle owners about impending end-of-life status, enabling them to take preventive action.

(Also Read: Delhi EV Policy 2.0 To Be Announced Today: What To Expect?)

The Delhi Government maintains that it has been complying with directions from the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court regarding the ban on EOL vehicles, their deregistration, and ensuring they do not operate on Delhi roads.

However, officials argue that the current technological inconsistencies and lack of integration with neighbouring states make immediate implementation of the fuel ban through ANPR systems premature and potentially counterproductive.