In a bold move to tackle Delhi’s severe air pollution, the city will deny fuel to overage vehicles from July 1, 2025. This landmark decision, enforced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), applies to diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.
To catch these aging polluters, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed at petrol pumps across the capital. These cameras automatically scan every vehicle’s number plate and cross-check it with the VAHAN database to identify if the vehicle has crossed its permissible age. If flagged, fuel stations will refuse to provide petrol or diesel.
Phased Rollout Beyond Delhi
Starting November 1, 2025, the ban will extend to Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat, covering major NCR regions. From April 1, 2026, the entire National Capital Region (NCR) will come under this rule.
Part of Delhi’s Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025
The step forms a core part of Delhi’s ambitious Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025, unveiled recently by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. This plan focuses on cutting vehicular emissions—one of Delhi’s top pollution sources—and includes ANPR surveillance at all city entry points and fuel stations.
Strict Enforcement and Real-Time Action
If a vehicle crosses the age limit, the petrol pump receives an alert to deny refueling. Violations will also trigger enforcement actions.
This measure follows reports showing that Delhi used only 33% of its clean air funds under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Experts believe that denying fuel to polluting old vehicles is a practical and effective way to reduce harmful emissions without waiting for broader policy shifts.
