Delhi Bans Refueling Of Old Vehicles From Today, Diesel Over 10 Years & Petrol Over 15 Years Not Allowed

New Delhi: Starting today, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles over 10 years old are banned from refueling in Delhi. This strict rule is part of a new drive to control the city's growing air pollution.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) launched this step with the help of the Delhi Transport Department, Delhi Police, and traffic officials.

350 Petrol Stations Monitored

A total of 350 petrol stations across Delhi have been selected for strict monitoring. Teams are set up to stop illegal refueling and take action against End of Life (EoL) vehicles.

Here is how the stations are being supervised:

- 100 stations with the highest number of old vehicles are under Delhi Police watch.

- 59 stations are under the Transport Department’s control.

- 91 sensitive locations are being monitored by joint teams.

The remaining 100 stations are supervised by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Strict Penalties for Rule Breakers

These teams have the power to fine or seize vehicles that break the rule. This action follows the Supreme Court’s 2018 order and the National Green Tribunal’s 2014 ruling, which already banned old vehicles from public areas.

Clear Warnings at Fuel Stations

Petrol stations must now display clear signs that say:

"Fuel will not be dispensed to End of Life Vehicles — i.e. 15 years old Petrol and CNG and 10 years old Diesel from 01.07.2025."

They must also log every denied refueling attempt, as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) shared by the Delhi government.

High-Tech Checks with ANPR

To support the ban, Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems are being used. These systems will help spot old vehicles in real time. The Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTIDC) will handle the system’s smooth operation.

Millions of Old Vehicles in Delhi

According to the VAHAAN database, there are nearly 62 lakh old vehicles in Delhi, including:

- 41 lakh two-wheelers

- 18 lakh four-wheelers

Surrounding areas in Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan add another 46 lakh old vehicles, making the total problem even bigger.

Fuel Stations Will Be Held Accountable

Any station that breaks the rule may face action under Section 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Reports on non-compliance must be sent weekly to the CAQM and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

This plan aims to ensure cleaner air and stricter pollution control in the national capital.

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