The Delhi government has suspended its policy restricting fuel sales to older vehicles following public backlash. The initial plan, set to begin July 1, 2025, aimed to ban fuel for diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old. The intent was to reduce pollution levels in the city. However, the policy’s implementation was put on hold after widespread criticism and initial actions by traffic police. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa requested the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to pause the directive, citing the need for a more comprehensive approach. The government is now considering a system to target poorly maintained vehicles, recognizing that age alone is not an accurate indicator of a vehicle’s condition. The previous mandate could have impacted approximately 6.2 million vehicles, including cars, two-wheelers, trucks, and vintage vehicles. The government is also evaluating a more stringent Pollution Under Control (PUC) system and plans to issue warnings three months before any ELV (End of Life Vehicle) phase-out.
