New Delhi, July 1, 2025 – In a major crackdown on vehicular pollution, the Delhi government has enforced a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel to over 62 lakh vehicles that do not have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This rule comes into effect from today across all fuel stations in the national capital.
According to a directive issued by the Transport Department of Delhi, no vehicle will be allowed to refuel unless it presents a valid PUC certificate. The move is aimed at controlling rising air pollution and ensuring strict adherence to emission norms by vehicle owners.
The decision follows a two-week awareness campaign conducted by the state government to encourage vehicle owners to renew their PUC certificates. Officials confirmed that petrol pumps across Delhi have been instructed to check the PUC status digitally before dispensing fuel.
“Fuel stations will now deny petrol or diesel to any vehicle that does not have a valid PUC. This is being strictly implemented across the city,” said a senior transport department official.
Reports indicate that nearly 40% of vehicles in Delhi were running without a valid PUC certificate. The government’s initiative seeks to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants such as PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides, both of which are major contributors to Delhi’s poor air quality.
As part of the implementation, the government has introduced an online portal and mobile application where citizens can verify their PUC status and locate authorized emission testing centers. SMS alerts are also being sent to registered vehicle owners as reminders to renew their certificates.
While the move has received praise from environmental activists and health experts, it has also led to frustration among some commuters who were unaware of the rule’s enforcement date.
“I was not informed that my PUC had expired. Now I’m unable to refill fuel, which is affecting my commute,” said a car owner in East Delhi.
On the other hand, environmental groups have welcomed the step. “This policy will create accountability and push people to maintain their vehicles properly. Delhi’s air cannot improve without such strong enforcement,” said Priya Singh, an environmentalist.
This fuel ban for non-compliant vehicles is part of Delhi’s broader strategy under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the Electric Vehicle Policy, both of which aim to reduce pollution levels across the city.
Authorities have also hinted at further technological integration, such as using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to monitor PUC compliance at traffic checkpoints and toll booths in the future.
As the directive comes into force, vehicle owners are advised to renew their PUC certificates immediately to avoid inconvenience and penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act.
