Fuel ban on old vehicles sparks political firestorm

A political storm has erupted over the Delhi Government’s recent directive barring refuelling of petrol and diesel vehicles older than 15 and 10 years, respectively. The move, aimed at enforcing the end-of-life vehicle (ELV) policy, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who termed it irrational, anti-middle class and a potential bonanza for vehicle manufacturers.

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale strongly condemned the policy, calling it a “direct hit on the middle class” and an absurd and illogical diktat. In a post on X, Gokhale argued that vehicles already undergo mandatory fitness and pollution checks at the time of registration renewal. Hence, a blanket ban based solely on age is unjustified.

“Across the US, UK, EU and China — some of the world’s biggest polluters — there are no such blanket bans. The Delhi Government’s order affects over 62 lakh people and appears to benefit automobile lobbies rather than the environment,” Gokhale stated.

He has written to Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, seeking immediate intervention and vowed to raise the matter in Parliament.

In a separate but equally fierce response, Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition Atishi called the move a “Tughlaqi Farman” by the BJP-led Central Government, accusing it of pushing Delhiites to the edge for the benefit of corporate interests.

“This means 62 lakh vehicles — 40 lakh two-wheelers and 20 lakh four-wheelers — will be forced off the roads overnight. How daily wage workers and office-goers are supposed to travel?” Atishi said at a press conference.

She said senior citizens and working-class families often rely on older or second-hand vehicles for essential commuting, especially in areas underserved by public transport. “The BJP must come clean — how much donation has it taken from auto manufacturers in the last five years? This isn’t governance, this is corporate collusion,” she said.

Both leaders questioned the scientific basis of the policy, pointing out that vehicle age alone does not determine emissions. They demanded immediate withdrawal of the directive and wider public consultation on pollution control measures.

Delhi