Breaking News: Delhi Government Takes U-Turn on Fuel Ban for Old Vehicles After Public Outcry | ABP NEWS

In a major policy reversal, the Delhi government has withdrawn its recent decision to ban fuel sales for petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. The rule, which came into effect on July 1, was rolled back within just 72 hours on July 3, following widespread public backlash and logistical concerns. The policy aimed to tackle rising air pollution in the capital—a key issue in elections and public discourse. However, the government cited "technical unpreparedness" as a reason for the rollback. The plan relied on automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to identify old vehicles, which proved ineffective and insufficiently deployed. Public reaction was swift. Petrol pumps and scrap markets reported chaos and panic as vehicle owners feared their vehicles would be seized. Many in Delhi’s middle and lower-middle-class populations—especially those dependent on two-wheelers—felt directly targeted by the move. The government’s failure to provide alternative transport solutions or clear implementation guidelines further fueled criticism. Due to the pressure and growing dissatisfaction, Delhi government submitted a formal appeal expressing its inability to enforce the rule effectively. As of now, fuel restrictions for old vehicles stand revoked, offering a significant relief to thousands of commuters across the city. While air pollution remains a pressing concern, experts suggest that any future measures must be implemented with better planning, infrastructure, and public consultation.

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