The Delhi government’s latest pollution control measure, banning fuel stations from dispensing fuel to older diesel and petrol vehicles, has forced many residents to sell their vehicles at drastically reduced rates. The rule, effective from July 1, prohibits fuel for diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old.
One of the most striking examples is that of Varun Vij, a Delhi resident, who was compelled to sell his 2015-model Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV for just ₹2.5 lakh. Vij had originally purchased the luxury vehicle for ₹84 lakh.
Recalling his attachment to the vehicle, Vij said the SUV had been a part of many family memories, including long weekend trips to pick up his son from boarding school. Despite being in excellent condition and having clocked only 1.35 lakh kilometres, he found no other option but to sell.
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“I was hoping I could renew its registration, but that wasn’t possible under the new rule. Even finding a buyer for ₹2.5 lakh was difficult. There was no option left — I couldn’t even use it,” Vij told reporters.
In response to the situation, Vij has now purchased a ₹62 lakh electric vehicle (EV), hoping to avoid similar regulatory hurdles in the future. “I just hope this EV lasts me for the next 20 years, provided no new government rule changes again,” he added.
The fuel ban follows orders from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), targeting rising air pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR). However, the decision has triggered widespread concern among vehicle owners who feel financially and emotionally burdened.
Vij said many others in Delhi have contacted him in recent days, seeking advice on what to do with their now-unusable vehicles. With the July deadline in force, thousands more are expected to face the same dilemma, weighing huge financial losses against the push for cleaner mobility.
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