Delhi Government Reverses Fuel Ban: Know the Reasons

• Published On: 5 July 2025
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The rollback of the fuel ban at pumps is a tactical retreat due to practical and public relations challenges. Although the strategic goal of removing highly polluting, older vehicles from Delhi's roads remains.

The Delhi Government has rolled back the immediate enforcement of the fuel ban on end-of-life vehicles that was put in place on July 1, 2025. This move came shortly after its implementation.

Vehicles are no longer being impounded from petrol pumps, and the Delhi government is now planning a more systematic approach.

Why Did the Delhi Government Roll Back the Fuel Ban After Its Enforcement?

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa officially wrote to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) requesting an immediate hold on the fuel ban directive. The primary reasons cited for this rollback are:

Public Outcry and Discontent: Many felt the ban was unfair, especially for well-maintained vehicles that might still be less polluting than some newer, poorly maintained ones.

Technological Challenges and Inconsistencies: The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system was found to have technological glitches and issues with camera placement, sensor, and speaker malfunction. There was also no seamless integration of the ANPR system with the vehicle databases of neighboring NCR states.

Lack of Coordinated NCR-Wide Implementation: The Delhi government argued that a Delhi-only ban would be "premature and potentially counterproductive". It would likely lead vehicle owners to drive to adjacent NCR districts to refuel. It could also encourage illegal cross-border fuel markets.

Impact on Livelihoods: The ban could adversely affect the daily lives of millions of families who could not immediately afford to replace their old vehicles.

Pressure from Petrol Dealers Association: The Delhi Petrol Dealers Association had filed a plea in the Delhi High Court challenging the enforcement mandate. They argued that they are private entities and lack the legal authority to enforce government directives, thereby exposing them to legal and safety risks.

Also Read: Know the Details About Delhi Fuel Ban & Its NCR Rollout

Can People Get Their Seized Vehicles Back?

Yes, vehicles impounded for the first time for being overage are usually eligible for release. The application for release must be submitted within 3 weeks of the vehicle being impounded.

The person also needs to commit an undertaking that the vehicle will NOT be plied or parked in any public place within Delhi ever again. After the application, undertaking, and penalties are verified, the Scrapping Cell of the Transport Department will scrutinize the documents and verify the vehicle's ownership and its end-of-life status.

If all conditions are met, a release order or an NOC (if taking out of Delhi) will be issued. The owner can then collect their vehicle from the impound lot upon presenting the valid release order.

If an end-of-life vehicle is impounded for violating the rules a second time, it will not be released and will be sent directly for mandatory scrapping.

Commercial diesel vehicles aged more than 10 years are also generally not released. 

What is the Delhi Government Planning to Do After Revoking the Fuel Ban?

The core legal mandate from the NGT and Supreme Court regarding end-of-life vehicles remains active, but the Delhi Government is now planning a more nuanced approach.

Focus on Actual Emission Levels: The government intends to work towards a stricter and more comprehensive Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate regime.

Integrated NCR-Wide Implementation: The Delhi government wants to implement this ban simultaneously and seamlessly across the entire NCR in the future.

Improved Monitoring and Enforcement (Beyond Fuel Pumps): The Transport Department and Traffic Police can still take action (impound and scrap) against end-of-life vehicles.

Enhanced Awareness and Outreach: The government is planning to alert owners of overage vehicles 2 to 3 months ahead of their phase-out to give them ample time to make alternative arrangements.

Promoting Vehicle Scrappage Policy: The government will continue to encourage owners to voluntarily scrap their old vehicles with incentives under the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) policy.

Long-Term Solutions for Air Quality: The Delhi government reiterates its commitment to broader, long-term solutions for air pollution, which include a stricter PUC certificate regime, bigger and better public transport infrastructure, promoting EV adoption, and mitigating emissions.