Delhi's Fuel Ban for Old Vehicles Postponed, Now From Nov 1

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the central body overseeing air quality in Delhi-NCR, has postponed the enforcement of a key environmental regulation. The ban on fueling 'End-of-Life' (EOL) vehicles—diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years—will now take effect from November 1, 2025, instead of the originally planned July 1.

The rule, aimed at curbing vehicular pollution, will first apply in Delhi and five high-traffic NCR districts: Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat. From April 1, 2026, it will extend to the rest of NCR.

Previously, the CAQM had mandated that fuel stations deny fuel to all EOL vehicles in Delhi, regardless of their state of registration. However, the Delhi government requested a delay, citing infrastructural and operational challenges. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa had formally urged CAQM to reconsider the July 1 deadline.

Following a review in its 24th meeting, CAQM agreed to amend Direction No. 89 to reflect the new implementation timeline.

The decision marks a significant step in the phased rollout of stricter pollution control norms while acknowledging logistical hurdles raised by local authorities.