Own an old car in Delhi? You may be denied fuel after March 31—Here’s why

New Delhi: Petrol stations in Delhi will stop supplying fuel to vehicles older than 15 years from March 31 as part of the government’s efforts to reduce air pollution, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced Saturday.

Sirsa said the government is installing technology at fuel stations to detect outdated vehicles and enforce the ban. “We are installing gadgets at petrol pumps that will identify vehicles older than 15 years, and no fuel will be provided to them,” he said after a meeting with officials.

The move is part of a larger crackdown on vehicular emissions in the capital, which continues to battle hazardous air quality. Sirsa said the Delhi government will officially inform the Union Ministry of Petroleum about the decision to restrict fuel access to older vehicles.

Mandatory anti-smog measures for buildings

In addition to fuel restrictions, the government has made it compulsory for all high-rise buildings, hotels and commercial complexes in the city to install anti-smog guns to curb pollution levels.

Shift to electric public transport

The government is also accelerating the transition to cleaner public transport. Sirsa announced that nearly 90% of public CNG buses in Delhi will be phased out by December 2025 and replaced with electric buses.

The fuel ban and new regulations come as part of Delhi’s broader push to combat air pollution, which remains a major concern for residents. Authorities have implemented several measures in recent years to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

(With inputs from PTI)