Delhi: Ban on fuel for ‘end-of-life’ vehicles deferred till November 1

The Commission for Air Quality Management on Tuesday announced that it has decided to defer its order banning the supply of fuel to old vehicles in Delhi until November 1, citing technological issues and concerns about cross-border fuelling.

The restriction will now be enforced simultaneously in Delhi and five adjoining high-vehicle-density districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Sonipat. The fuel ban will be imposed across the rest of the National Capital Region from April 1, 2026.

The ban, which had come into effect on July 1, aimed to phase out end-of-life vehicles to tackle air pollution. Under the directive, petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old were no longer allowed to refuel.

In its order on Tuesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management has now directed the Transport Department officials of Delhi and neighbouring states to ensure that the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system is properly put in place.

“It shall be their responsibility to conduct trials of the ANPR system and training of manpower in a timely manner,” the order said. “They shall also widely disseminate this direction amongst all stakeholders including fuel stations and ensure its strict compliance through effective enforcement measures.”

The decision to delay enforcement came after the Delhi government raised concerns about...

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