Delhi Fuel Ban Reaches Parliament: Rajya Sabha MP Urges Nitin Gadkari to Intervene
The Delhi government's ban on older vehicles from refuelling at city petrol pumps has now reached the national spotlight. Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale has formally written to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, urging him to reconsider what he calls a “harsh and irrational” rule that affects lakhs of vehicle owners in the national capital.
What Is the Delhi Fuel Ban?
Effective July 1, 2025, Delhi has banned:
Petrol vehicles older than 15 years
Diesel vehicles older than 10 years
from refuelling at all petrol stations within Delhi. This policy is part of an effort to reduce vehicular emissions and improve the city's hazardous air quality levels.
Key Highlights of the Ban
Implementation Started: July 1, 2025
Enforced by: Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and local fuel pump operators
Applicable to: Personal and commercial vehicles falling outside the age limit
Penalty: Vehicles caught refuelling in violation may be towed and penalized
Why Did MP Saket Gokhale Oppose the Ban?
Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale raised strong objections and highlighted the following concerns in his letter to Nitin Gadkari:
Over 62 lakh vehicles in Delhi NCR will be affected.
Many vehicles are still fit to operate and pass emission tests.
Middle-class families will be forced to replace functional vehicles.
Policy bypasses the existing vehicle fitness certificate process governed by central law.
Gokhale termed the move arbitrary and lacking scientific rationale, and urged a rollback in favor of fitness-based regulation.
Political Reactions
Congress Critique: Party leaders called it “populist but punitive,” arguing that blanket bans based on age overlook the real cause—maintenance and emissions.
Public Sentiment: Mixed reactions from Delhi citizens and netizens; many feel the move is needed, while others cite financial and logistical burden.
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FAQs: Understanding the Delhi Fuel Ban
Q1: What vehicles are banned from refuelling in Delhi?
All petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old are banned from refuelling at any fuel station in Delhi.
Q2: When did the ban come into effect?
The ban officially started on July 1, 2025.
Q3: Is this a complete ban on driving or only refuelling?
The ban applies only to refuelling. However, enforcement agencies may take action if such vehicles are caught operating on Delhi roads.
Q4: Can I drive my old vehicle outside Delhi?
Yes. The rule is currently applicable only within Delhi, not the surrounding NCR areas unless notified otherwise.
Q5: What should affected vehicle owners do?
Owners can either:
Scrap the vehicle
Transfer it to another state (where rules permit)
Retrofit or replace with a compliant EV or new vehicle
Q6: How does this relate to vehicle fitness tests?
Fitness tests, required after a vehicle crosses a certain age, determine roadworthiness. This fuel ban bypasses the test and applies an age-only filter, leading to criticism.
Q7: Is there a legal challenge to this ban?
Legal options are under review. Several citizens and transport groups have expressed interest in filing petitions.
Published on: Jul 2, 2025
Uploaded by: PAVAN
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