New Delhi: Delhi has begun enforcing a ban on the refuelling of end-of-life (EoL) vehicles, in a significant move aimed at curbing air pollution. From today, petrol pumps across the capital will no longer dispense fuel to petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old, following directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
To implement the ban, the Delhi Transport Department, Delhi Police, Traffic Police, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have launched a city-wide enforcement strategy. As many as 350 fuel stations are now under active surveillance, with one traffic officer deployed at each pump to monitor and intercept outdated vehicles.
Multi-agency deployment and strict enforcement
A senior police officer confirmed that EoL vehicles found at pumps would be immediately impounded and a challan issued to their owners. “Two police personnel at each fuel station will also be present to maintain law and order during the drive,” the officer said.
The Delhi Police will oversee fuel stations numbered 1 to 100, while the Transport Department will deploy 59 teams across stations numbered 101 to 159. MCD enforcement squads will also assist in operations at selected locations.
Mandatory SOPs, signage, and digital logs
As part of the implementation process, the Delhi government issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on June 17. All petrol stations are now required to maintain a manual or digital record of all denied refuelling attempts involving EoL vehicles and submit weekly reports to the Transport Department.
Additionally, petrol pumps must display visible signage stating:
“Fuel will not be dispensed to End-of-Life Vehicles – i.e. 15 years old Petrol/CNG and 10 years old Diesel, effective 01.07.2025.”
Staff at fuel stations have also been instructed to undergo training on the CAQM’s guidelines.
Real-time vehicle tracking and automated enforcement
The Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTIDC) has deployed Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at fuel stations. These systems will scan vehicles entering premises and automatically identify EoL vehicles based on their registration details.
Authorities have been directed to take immediate legal action against identified vehicles, including seizure and disposal. Fuel pumps found violating the rules will be reported weekly to both CAQM and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for further action.
Legal backing and historical context
The directive is backed by a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that banned diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in Delhi. A 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order also prohibits parking vehicles aged over 15 years in public areas.
Fuel stations found violating the new norms risk action under Section 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
