Delhi Government Suspends Fuel Ban on Older Vehicles Amid Public Outcry

New Delhi: In a swift reversal, the Delhi government has put a hold on its recently imposed ban on refueling older vehicles, following widespread public discontent.The order, which took effect on July 1, prohibited fuel stations from dispensing fuel to diesel vehicles older then 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. The governmentS letter to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) requests the refuelling ban be “put on hold with immediate effect.”

Despite the suspension of the fuel ban, restrictions on the use of end-of-life (EoL) vehicles on Delhi roads remain in effect, based on previous court orders [[1]]. These vehicles are still prohibited from being driven or parked in public spaces.The Delhi transport department is authorized to impound vehicles found in violation and, if necesary, send them for scrapping.

Rules Still in Place for End-of-Life Vehicles

Even with the refuelling ban suspended, the following rules continue to apply to EoL vehicles in delhi-NCR:

• EoL vehicles are banned from plying on Delhi roads.
• EoL vehicles are banned from being parked in public spaces.
• The transport department has the authority to impound violating vehicles.

If impounded, owners seeking to recover their EoL vehicles must obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Delhi government. This requires submitting an undertaking, with proof, that the vehicle will be taken out of Delhi or parked in a private parking space within the city. Penalties also apply: ₹10,000 for four-wheelers and ₹5,000 for two- or three-wheelers.

Did You Know? The Delhi transport department deregistered nearly 61 lakh EoL vehicles from the registry by 2024.

Background of the Old Vehicle Ban

The initial ban on older vehicles in Delhi was introduced over a decade ago by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to combat rising air pollution. The NGT’s principal bench issued the order on November 26, 2014, during a hearing on air pollution sources, including vehicle emissions [[2]].

The NGT order initially focused on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. It instructed delhi’s traffic and transport departments to seize violating vehicles.This order was later upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018,directing the transport department to publicize the ban’s implementation.

Retrieving Impounded vehicles: What You Need to Know

Enforcement drives to remove older vehicles from Delhi roads began in 2023. Vehicle owners subsequently filed petitions in the Supreme Court, seeking a procedure for the release of impounded vehicles. In response, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to establish a policy allowing owners to reclaim their vehicles under specific conditions.

This led to the “Guidelines for handling end-of-life vehicles in public places of Delhi,” issued by the transport department on February 20, 2024. These guidelines outline the process for owners to take their eol vehicles outside Delhi by submitting an undertaking and paying the applicable penalty. Alternatively,owners can park the vehicle in a private space within Delhi,provided they furnish proof of the parking space.

Pro Tip: Vehicles impounded more than once will be sent directly to scrapping yards and will not be released.

Timeline of Key Events

In march 2025, the CAQM decided to ban fuel provision to vehicles at petrol pumps to enforce the removal of such vehicles. The order, initially set to take effect on April 30, then july 1, is now facing a recall.

What are your thoughts on the Delhi government’s decision to suspend the fuel ban? How else can Delhi address air pollution concerns?

Disclaimer: This article provides general facts and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.