Delhi to Ban Fuel for 15-Year-Old Vehicles from April 2025: What It Means for You?

In a significant move to curb vehicular pollution, the Delhi government has decided to prohibit fuel supply to vehicles older than 15 years from April 1, 2025. This decision, announced by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, is expected to impact thousands of vehicle owners in the capital. The measure is part of a broader strategy to tackle air pollution in the city, which has long struggled with deteriorating air quality.

How Will the Fuel Ban Be Enforced?

The government is looking to leverage AI-enabled cameras at fuel stations to detect non-compliant vehicles. These cameras, currently used to check for Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, may be upgraded to verify vehicle age as well. For fuel stations without such technology, installations are expected in the coming months.

With over 1 lakh end-of-life vehicles currently in Delhi, owners will have to make a decision—either dispose of their old vehicles, sell them outside the city with a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), or transition to alternative transport options. But how effective will this move be in actually reducing pollution, and what support will be provided to affected vehicle owners?

Impact on Vehicle Owners: What Are the Options?

For many residents who still rely on older vehicles for daily commuting, this ban raises critical questions. Will there be scrappage incentives to encourage phasing out these vehicles? Will resale values drop significantly due to restricted movement within the NCR? While some vehicle owners may shift to newer models, will the ban disproportionately affect lower-income groups who may not be able to afford replacements?

Another major concern is enforcement. With thousands of vehicles entering Delhi daily from neighbouring states, how will authorities prevent overage vehicles from refuelling at stations just outside city limits and continuing to operate within Delhi?

Push for Electric Public Transport and Anti-Pollution Measures

Alongside restrictions on older vehicles, the Delhi government is also focusing on expanding electric public transport. Nearly 90 per cent of CNG-driven public transport buses will be phased out by December 2025, making way for a fleet of around 8,000 electric buses by 2026. The procurement of 3,680 e-buses is expected to be completed by September this year.