The Delhi government implemented a ban on fuel supply for end-of-life vehicles this week — sparking intense backlash on social media. More than a dozen cars were seized by officials on Tuesday, while others in the city rushed to sell their vehicles at throwaway prices. The new policy prohibits diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from refueling in the city, regardless of their registration states. Older vehicles can be impounded or even face scrappage if caught while attempting to refuel within the city limits.
Netizens have since flagged discrepancies in the policy — noting that diesel vehicles incurred a 15 year road tax while reaching the ‘end’ of their life within 10 years.
“Why are we paying road tax for 15 years for diesel cars but the have to be scrapped in 10 years. Please enlighten me,” jibed one X user.
“15 years old car in NCR is not even utilised 30% of its actual capacity. This rule is ridiculous. Government needs to reconsider this,” fumed another.
“We pay Motor Vehicle Tax for 15 years. We are allowed to drive them only for 10 years in Delhi. The longevity and durability of cars has decreased tremendously,” lamented a third.
Meanwhile the Delhi Traffic police said that it had seized 16 vehicles on the first day from various petrol pumps.
“We are following the orders of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), from today, 10-15 year old vehicles will not get diesel and petrol from any petrol pump… Traffic police have seized 16 vehicles at various petrol pumps…most of them are motorcycles,…due to more awareness in the media, advertisements, many people were aware and therefore fewer vehicles were coming, and people are contemplating how to move these vehicles away from Delhi,” said Special CP Traffic Management, Delhi Police, Ajay Chaudhary.