The Delhi government’s decision to ban fuel sales for overage vehicles, set to be implemented on April 1, has been delayed due to pending structural changes at some petrol stations. The delay comes as some fuel pumps are yet to modify their infrastructure to ensure smooth compliance with the new rule, officials confirmed.
Why the Fuel Ban?
The fuel ban is a key initiative by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Delhi to tackle the severe air pollution crisis. As per the policy, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are classified as End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) and are not allowed to operate in the city. The Delhi government has been actively seizing and scrapping such vehicles if they are found parked in public spaces or if necessary permissions to sell them outside Delhi-NCR are not obtained.
Implementation Challenges
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa explained that a lack of proper infrastructure at petrol stations is the primary reason behind the delay. Specific changes, such as separate exit lanes for old vehicles and clear passages for those eligible to refuel, are yet to be implemented at some fuel stations.
Sirsa emphasized that rather than implementing the rule in parts, the government is working to ensure all petrol pumps comply simultaneously. He assured that the fuel ban will take effect within the next 10-15 days, once all necessary modifications are completed.
Delhi’s Pollution Crisis
Delhi has long struggled with high pollution levels, especially during the winter months. According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, Delhi remains the most polluted capital city in the world, with an average PM 2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m³. The city’s air quality had improved slightly by March 31, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 130, categorized as moderate compared to the previous week’s ‘poor’ levels.
Conclusion
While the fuel ban is an ambitious move to curb Delhi’s air pollution, its successful execution depends on efficient coordination with petrol stations. With structural changes underway, the government expects to roll out the plan in the next few weeks, making it a crucial step toward reducing vehicular emissions in the capital.
