Tue Jul 01 20:24:24 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

As of July 1, 2025, Delhi has implemented a ban on refueling overage vehicles (older than 15 years for petrol and 10 years for diesel) in an effort to curb air pollution. Fuel stations are using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to enforce the ban, and transport officials are impounding violating vehicles. While there were a few minor technical issues, the ban was largely implemented smoothly. The Delhi Petrol Dealers Association is urging for the ban to be extended across the National Capital Region (NCR) to avoid disadvantaging Delhi fuel stations.

**News Article:**

**Delhi Implements Overage Vehicle Refueling Ban to Combat Pollution**

**New Delhi, July 2, 2025** – Delhi has begun enforcing its ban on refueling older, more polluting vehicles, effective July 1, 2025. The initiative, aimed at improving air quality, prevents petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years from refueling at Delhi fuel stations.

Across the capital, filling stations equipped with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and loudspeakers are denying fuel to offending vehicles. On Tuesday, authorities impounded 45 vehicles and issued notices to the owners of 80 others. Transport Department officials and Delhi Traffic Police are actively patrolling and enforcing the ban.

The directive follows a 2015 ruling by the National Green Tribunal and an April order from the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM). The CAQM plans to extend the ban to five NCR districts starting November 1, with a full NCR-wide implementation slated for April 1, 2026.

Early implementation saw some minor technical hiccups, including instances of number plate misidentification by the ANPR system. However, officials reported a largely smooth rollout.

“Some people are avoiding refuelling in Delhi out of the fear of being penalised,” noted Nischal Singhania, president of the Delhi Petrol Dealers Association. He urged authorities to extend the ban across the entire NCR, warning that Delhi fuel stations will suffer economically if the measure remains confined to the city. “The ban must be extended across NCR. Otherwise, Delhi dealers will suffer,” said Singhania.

The ban is part of Delhi’s ongoing efforts to combat air pollution and promote a cleaner environment.

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