In a major crackdown on vehicular pollution, the Delhi government has enforced a strict ban on the refueling of End-of-Life (EoL) vehicles across the city starting July 1, 2025. As per the directive issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), all petrol stations in the national capital have been instructed not to dispense fuel to diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol or CNG vehicles that have exceeded 15 years of use.
Implementation Plan and Enforcement
To ensure smooth execution of the ban, a comprehensive deployment strategy has been put in place by the Transport Department. The plan involves active coordination between the Delhi Police, Traffic Police, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). A total of 350 petrol pumps across Delhi have been identified for enforcement, where traffic police officers will be stationed to prevent the refueling of prohibited vehicles.
- Fuel stations numbered 1 to 100 will see the deployment of Delhi Police personnel.
- Stations numbered 101 to 159 will be under the supervision of 59 dedicated teams from the Transport Department.
While MCD teams will be deployed at the fuel stations, each petrol pump will also have two police officers present to maintain law and order during the operation.
Use of Technology and Monitoring
To aid enforcement, fuel stations are being equipped with Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras that will record vehicle registration details in real time. The Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTIDC) is overseeing the proper installation and functioning of these systems. Petrol pump staff are being trained on the rules and procedures related to the CAQM order, ensuring that they can effectively identify and deny fuel to banned vehicles.
Additionally, each fuel station is required to maintain a manual or digital log of all fuel denial incidents involving EoL vehicles. Signboards must also be prominently displayed at all stations, notifying customers that vehicles older than the prescribed age limits will not be refueled.
Legal Backing and Penalties
This enforcement follows the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling that banned diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years from operating in Delhi. A 2014 order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) also restricts such vehicles from being parked in public spaces. Fuel stations found violating the current directives will face action under Section 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Weekly reports of non-compliant stations will be submitted to the CAQM and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for further penalties.
With this move, the Delhi government aims to significantly reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality across the city.
