In a significant move to tackle the worsening air pollution crisis the Delhi government has officially announced that starting November 1, 2025, fuel will no longer be provided to overage vehicles across Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR). The ban targets petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles over 10 years aligning with long-standing environmental norms but marking a renewed push for strict implementation.
According to the fresh directive issued on Monday, this fuel restriction will extend beyond Delhi to include five key NCR districts, although the specific districts were not named in the initial announcement. The step is seen as part of Delhi’s broader action plan to reduce vehicular emissions, a major contributor to the region’s hazardous air quality, especially in the winter months.
The fuel ban had previously been put on hold in early July following public backlash and concerns around lack of sustainable alternatives for daily commuters. However, with worsening pollution levels anticipated and pressure mounting from environmental agencies, the government has decided to reimpose the ban with a clear deadline.
The Transport Department, along with fuel station operators, will be tasked with enforcing the ban. Fuel stations across Delhi-NCR are expected to display notices warning owners of ineligible vehicles about the restriction. Vehicles caught bypassing the ban may face penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act and will be flagged for further action.
This directive follows earlier enforcement measures in Delhi, including mandatory use of BS-VI compliant vehicles, promotion of electric mobility, and restrictions on heavy commercial traffic during peak pollution periods. The ban also complements efforts by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to curb emissions through both long-term and emergency plans.
Public response remains mixed. While environmental experts have welcomed the decision as a necessary step toward clean air, many citizens have expressed concern over the lack of adequate public transport alternatives and the financial burden of replacing older vehicles. The Delhi government has said it will soon release support measures, including incentives for electric vehicle adoption and expanded metro and bus services to offset the impact of the ban.
As the countdown to November begins, authorities are urging residents to check the age of their vehicles and prepare for compliance. The decision marks a crucial part of Delhi’s air quality mitigation efforts as the city braces for the return of winter smog season.