After briefly offering relief to owners of old vehicles in early July, the government is set to implement the No Fuel Policy in Delhi NCR from November 1, 2025. This stricter version of the Delhi fuel regulation policy aims to curb pollution by banning fuel supply to end-of-life vehicles.

Although the initial attempt to implement this policy earlier this month was met with resistance and rolled back temporarily, officials now confirm its full-fledged enforcement later this year. The policy will apply not just in Delhi, but across key NCR regions, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Sonipat.

Key Highlights of the Delhi NCR No Fuel Policy

• The No Fuel Policy will be enforced starting November 1, 2025.

• It targets vehicles that have crossed their legally permitted operational age.

• Fuel stations in Delhi and NCR cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Sonipat will be prohibited from supplying petrol, diesel, or CNG to these vehicles.

• The move is part of Delhi’s pollution control drive.

• Earlier efforts to impose this rule in July 2025 faced strong public backlash.

Background: What Triggered the No Fuel Policy

Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region have long struggled with deteriorating air quality, particularly during the winter months. Aging vehicles—especially diesel and petrol-powered ones—contribute significantly to this crisis.

In a bid to combat rising pollution levels, the Delhi government introduced the No Fuel Policy earlier this month. Under this policy, vehicles that have outlived their registered life — 10 years for diesel and 15 years for petrol — were banned from receiving fuel at any station across the city.

However, the public outcry and logistical challenges forced the authorities to halt the implementation temporarily. As a result, some vehicle owners were granted short-term relief.

Policy Reintroduced with Revised Strategy

According to official sources, a recent meeting led by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) concluded with a resolution to enforce the No Fuel Policy from November 1, 2025.

Unlike the July attempt, this time the rollout will cover a broader geographical area, including:

• Delhi

• Gurugram

• Faridabad

• Ghaziabad

• Sonipat

This expansion is designed to prevent policy evasion by simply driving old vehicles into neighboring cities for fuel.

What is the No Fuel Policy?

As the name suggests, the No Fuel Policy restricts fuel stations from providing petrol, diesel, or CNG to vehicles that have exceeded their legal age.

Under the current Delhi vehicle scrapping policy:

• Diesel vehicles older than 10 years

• Petrol vehicles older than 15 years
  are considered end-of-life (EOL) vehicles and are no longer allowed to operate in the region.

Previously, enforcement included:

• Seizure of vehicles found on roads

• Fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000

• Legal notices for repeated violations

Attempted Rollout in July 2025 and Public Response

The policy was initially rolled out on July 1, 2025, in Delhi. Authorities cracked down on EOL vehicles attempting to refuel or operate on public roads.

This sudden action led to:

• Confiscation of non-compliant vehicles

• Penalties imposed on fuel stations supplying them

• Complaints and protests from affected citizens

In response, Delhi Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa appealed to the CAQM to suspend the policy temporarily, citing flaws in the enforcement system and lack of public awareness.

The minister also recommended that neighboring NCR districts be included in the policy to ensure uniformity and fairness.

What Vehicle Owners Should Know Before November 1

With the policy now rescheduled for November 2025, here are some crucial points for vehicle owners in Delhi NCR:

 Check Vehicle Age

Verify the registration date and fuel type of your vehicle:

• Petrol vehicles above 15 years

• Diesel vehicles above 10 years
  will not be allowed to refuel post-November.

 Voluntary Scrapping

Owners are encouraged to voluntarily scrap old vehicles and take advantage of the vehicle scrappage incentives announced earlier.

 Avoid Penalties

Continuing to operate or refuel an illegal vehicle after the policy is enforced could result in:

• Vehicle impoundment

• Monetary fines

• Suspension of registration

 Update Registration Records

Ensure your vehicle registration and pollution certificates are up to date, especially for borderline age vehicles.

Delhi Government’s Rationale Behind the Policy

The primary objective of this policy is to tackle Delhi’s severe air pollution crisis, which reaches hazardous levels during winter months. According to environmental experts:

• Vehicular emissions account for nearly 30% of Delhi’s air pollution

• Older engines emit significantly higher levels of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter

By eliminating high-polluting, outdated vehicles from Delhi’s roads, authorities aim to:

• Improve ambient air quality

• Reduce respiratory illnesses

• Meet national climate goals

Expert Opinions & Public Sentiment

While environmental groups have welcomed the move, calling it a “necessary disruption”, public sentiment remains mixed.

Some citizens argue that the lack of public transport alternatives, especially in peripheral NCR districts, makes this policy inconvenient.

Experts suggest that government subsidies or exchange schemes for new electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids could help ease the transition.

The No Fuel Policy in Delhi NCR, set to be enforced from November 1, 2025, marks a significant milestone in India’s ongoing battle against urban air pollution. However, for it to succeed, authorities must ensure:

• Clear public communication

• Availability of scrapping centers

• Accessibility to eco-friendly vehicle alternatives

As the deadline approaches, vehicle owners across Delhi NCR must take proactive steps to comply with the regulation and contribute to a cleaner, healthier capital region.