No-Fuel Policy: Delhi-NCR citizens have been given short-term respite from the car ban, but the reprieve will not last long. From November 1, there will be a stricter No-Fuel Policy in several NCR districts. The new policy is meant to deal with air pollution and will affect thousands of car owners who depend on older diesel and petrol vehicles.

What Is the No-Fuel Policy?

The No-Fuel Policy aims at old cars that have exceeded their permissible age limit. Cars over the age of 10 years for diesel and 15 years for petrol will no longer be capable of refilling. The policy aims to ban such cars from the road completely because they contribute largely to pollution. With no fuel, such cars will be rendered useless, making them stop aggravating the air in the city.

When and Where Will It Be Implemented?

From November 1, 2025, the policy will not only be operational in Delhi but also in five major NCR areas — Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Sonipat, and Gautam Buddh Nagar. The decision was made after CAQM and the Environment Secretary had a meeting. The policy is an amendment under Direction 89 and hence is legally enforceable in all these places.

Why Was the Policy Postponed?

The scheme was first launched on July 1, 2025, in Delhi only. Petrol pumps were asked to discontinue fuel supply to old vehicles, and offenders would have to pay a fine of ₹10,000. The policy, however, was suspended temporarily due to mass public opposition and operational issues. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa wrote to CAQM, seeking an extension and proposing uniform implementation in all NCR districts.

What’s In Store for Car Owners?

Starting November, when Direction 89 is strictly enforced, any automobile falling under the category of End-of-Life will not be able to receive fuel in any of the listed NCR areas. The action will also be accompanied by stringent penalties for those who defy it. Authorities hope that this combined enforcement will see Delhi-NCR’s air quality significantly enhance. Owners of vehicles need to now begin readying themselves for this transition either by de-registering their old cars or adopting cleaner options.

Policy Objective: Cleaner Air for Delhi-NCR

This step is part of a larger goal to make the air safer and healthier. With the high number of outdated vehicles contributing to pollution, officials expect a visible improvement in air quality once this policy is implemented. It’s a significant push towards long-term environmental health in one of the most polluted regions of the country.