Delhi Fuel Ban U-Turn – Old Petrol and Diesel Cars to Refuel
07 Jul 2025, 05:29 PM
- Sudden policy pause lets diesel cars over 10 years and petrol cars over 15 years fill up again.
- ANPR cameras switch to data-only mode while recovery steps for impounded vehicles roll out.
Delhi Fuel Ban: Immediate Reversal after Public Backlash
The Delhi fuel ban on old petrol and diesel vehicles is suspended just two days after launch, following intense public outcry.
Under the now-paused directive, diesel cars older than 10 years and petrol cars beyond 15 years were shut out at pumps starting July 1.
Drivers, unions, and lower-income commuters slammed the blanket cut-off as abrupt, unfair, and impractical.
Delhi Fuel Ban: How ANPR Cameras Enforced the Ban
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 2 MP |
| Night-Vision Mode | Infrared LEDs |
| Plate-Read Accuracy | 98% at 80 km/h |
| Field of View | 90° horizontal |
| Trigger Time | < 200 ms per plate |
Delhi Fuel Ban: Step-by-Step Vehicle Recovery
With the ban on hold, impounded owners can reclaim vehicles by completing these steps:
- Submit a recovery application to the Transport Department with registration and ID proof.
- Undergo document verification by the Scrapping Cell for end-of-life status.
- Declare intended parking:
- Shift outside Delhi-NCR (attach NOC)
- Park privately within Delhi (provide parking proof)
- Pay the provisional penalty: Rs. 10,000 for cars, Rs. 5,000 for two/three-wheelers.
| Vehicle Category | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Cars (diesel/petrol) | Rs. 10,000 |
| Two/Three-Wheelers | Rs. 5,000 |
Delhi Fuel Ban: Scale of Impact
An estimated 62 lakh end-of-life vehicles faced refuelling bans across the capital.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Vehicle Type | Age Threshold | Estimated Count |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel Cars | > 10 years | 15 lakhs |
| Petrol Cars | > 15 years | 20 lakhs |
| Two/Three-Wheelers | > 10/15 years | 27 lakhs |
Delhi Fuel Ban: Next Steps in Pollution Control
Delhi’s swift U-turn highlights the need for balanced, data-driven measures instead of blunt age caps.
Officials now plan to:
- Roll out targeted emissions testing at pumps and RTO-approved centres.
- Expand voluntary vehicle scrapping policy with cash incentives (up to Rs. 50,000).
- Boost electric-vehicle subsidies and charging infrastructure citywide.
- Strengthen fitness checks and real-time emissions monitoring systems.
Public transport upgrades and car-pool campaigns will complement these efforts to tackle vehicular pollution without sidelining responsible older vehicles.
Delhi Fuel Ban: What Drivers Should Know
Delhi’s latest move shows that community feedback can reshape policy fast. As the capital works toward cleaner air, collaboration between regulators, transport unions, pump operators, and auto enthusiasts will be crucial.
Drivers, take note:
- Keep vehicle papers updated to avoid surprise EOL flags.
- Monitor ANPR notices—cameras still log plate data for analytics.
- Explore scrappage incentives if upkeep costs rise.
- Follow RTO advisories on next-gen pollution control policies.
Owners can use our Fuel Calculator to project monthly operating costs and calculate conversion payback periods.
Locate your nearest CarOnPhone Fuel Station in Delhi to find compliant pumps equipped with AI-assisted inspections.
Use the CarOnPhone Fuel Calculator to plan your budget, compare petrol, diesel, and CNG prices, and evaluate conversion versus replacement scenarios.
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