Delhi to halt fuel supply for vehicles over 15 years old starting April

Delhi Takes Drastic Step Against Pollution: Fuel Supply to Be Denied for Vehicles Over 15 Years Old Starting April

In a bold move to combat the capital's persistent air pollution crisis, the Delhi government has announced that fuel stations across the city will stop serving petrol and diesel to vehicles older than 15 years beginning April 1. The sweeping measure, which expands on existing restrictions targeting diesel vehicles over 10 years old, is expected to affect millions of private and commercial vehicles that have long contributed to the city's toxic air.  

The decision has sparked heated debate among residents, with environmental activists hailing it as a necessary step toward cleaner air while many vehicle owners express frustration over the financial burden of replacing their aging automobiles. "This policy will hit poor families the hardest," said auto-rickshaw driver Harish Kumar, who has been operating his 17-year-old vehicle for nearly two decades. "How are people like me supposed to afford a new vehicle overnight?"  

Government officials defend the move as critical for public health, citing studies that show vehicles older than 15 years emit up to 10 times more pollutants than newer models. "Delhi's air pollution claims thousands of lives each year, and we can no longer ignore the role of outdated, high-emission vehicles," said a spokesperson for the Delhi Transport Department. "This is about protecting our children's future."  

Enforcement will be carried out through a combination of automated license plate scanners at fuel stations and manual checks by authorities. While first-time offenders may receive warnings, repeat violations could result in fines or even vehicle impoundment. Certain exemptions will apply, including for emergency service vehicles and vintage cars registered under heritage schemes.  

The announcement has also raised questions about the readiness of Delhi's vehicle scrappage infrastructure and whether adequate financial assistance will be available to help low-income owners transition to newer, cleaner vehicles. Environmental groups are urging the government to pair the ban with stronger incentives for electric vehicles and improved public transportation options.  

As April approaches, long lines have been reported at some of the city's authorized scrapping centers, while mechanics note a surge in customers seeking last-minute repairs for their aging cars. "People are trying everything to squeeze a few more months out of their vehicles," said mechanic Rajiv Singh in Mayapuri. "But the truth is, these old engines are choking our city."  

The policy represents one of Delhi's most aggressive steps yet to tackle transportation-related pollution, setting a precedent that other Indian cities grappling with poor air quality may soon follow. With winter pollution seasons growing increasingly severe each year, officials say difficult choices like this ban are unavoidable—even as they acknowledge the hardship it will cause for many residents.  

For now, the countdown begins for thousands of Delhi's oldest vehicles, their days on the road now numbered in weeks rather than years. As the city prepares for this dramatic shift, all eyes will be on whether the sacrifice delivers the promised breath of fresh air.