Delhi Enforces Fuel Restrictions Amid Severe Air Quality Crisis

In response to alarming air quality levels, Delhi's Environment Minister has declared that vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate will be denied fuel starting Thursday. This decision follows a significant rise in pollution levels, with the AQI remaining in the severe category for several days. The minister criticized the previous government for the ongoing pollution crisis and emphasized the need for long-term solutions. Despite recent improvements in air quality due to weather changes, the situation remains critical. The article explores the implications of these new restrictions and the government's efforts to combat pollution in the capital.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 16, 2025, 16:14 IST

Fuel Access Limited for Vehicles Without Pollution Control Certificates

On Tuesday, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the Environment Minister of Delhi, announced that starting Thursday, vehicle owners without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied fuel at petrol stations. This decision comes as the national capital grapples with dangerously poor air quality. The air quality index (AQI) has remained in the "severe" category for three consecutive days, and on Tuesday, it was recorded as "very poor."

Rising Violations and Air Quality Concerns

In September, police issued a staggering 54,615 fines for driving without a PUCC, accounting for 17% of total violations. This trend continued into October, with 68,986 PUCC-related fines issued, representing 23%. Addressing a press conference on the pollution crisis, Sirsa stated, "Today, the AQI is at 363, which falls into the severe category, consistent with levels seen over the past decade. Last year on this date, the AQI was 380, while today it stands at 363."

Criticism of Previous Government and Pollution Management

Sirsa attributed the ongoing pollution issues to the previous administration, claiming that the Aam Aadmi Party has contributed to this problem over the last ten years. He emphasized that resolving the pollution crisis cannot be achieved in just a few months, stating that it is unrealistic for any elected government to significantly lower the AQI within 9-10 months. He expressed regret over the pollution levels in Delhi, asserting that their government is performing better than the previous one and has been working to reduce the AQI daily. "The pollution crisis is a legacy of the Aam Aadmi Party, and we are committed to addressing it," he added.

Slight Improvement in Air Quality

There has been a minor improvement in Delhi's air quality, attributed to reduced fog intensity and increased wind speed, bringing the AQI down to the "very poor" category. As of 8 AM, the 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 377. The city experienced light fog, which was less dense compared to the previous day. Following chaotic events during a recent program featuring football star Lionel Messi in Kolkata, Sirsa criticized the ruling TMC-led West Bengal government, labeling it a failure.