In a development affecting thousands of vehicle owners across Delhi, a new regulation enforced by the Delhi government—effective from July 1—has compelled residents to part ways with their older vehicles at drastically reduced prices. The rule, which prohibits fuel stations from dispensing fuel to diesel vehicles over 10-years-old and petrol vehicles over 15-years-old, is aimed at curbing pollution in the National Capital Region.
The directive follows an order by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), and its impact is already being felt by residents such as Varun Vij, who was forced to sell his luxury SUV, a Mercedes-Benz ML350 purchased in 2015 for Rs 84 lakh, for a mere Rs 2.5 lakh.
Speaking to media, Vij recounted the emotional toll of having to give up the vehicle that had become a part of his family’s life over the past decade. “There are so many memories associated with this car,” he said, recalling the joy when the vehicle was purchased and the family’s weekly road trips to collect his son from hostel. “We used to drive seven to eight hours every weekend. The car has been a part of our lives for 10 years.”
Despite being in excellent condition and having logged only 1.35 lakh kilometres, the car had to be sold due to the lack of alternatives under the new regulation. Vij added that the vehicle had been meticulously maintained over the years, with minimal issues limited to tyre replacements and regular servicing. “The car was absolutely fine. No major breakdowns ever. Only routine service and tyres were changed,” he explained.
Vij had hoped to renew the vehicle’s registration, but that option did not materialise. “I was hopeful I’d be able to renew it somehow. That didn’t happen. No one was even ready to buy it for Rs 2.5 lakh. Finally, I had to sell it out of compulsion,” he said. “Imagine—Rs 84 lakh reduced to Rs 2.5 lakh. But there was no option. I couldn’t even use it.”
Now faced with the constraints of the new environmental regulation, Vij has opted to invest in a Rs 62 lakh electric vehicle, in hopes of avoiding similar restrictions in future. “I’ve bought an EV now. It cost Rs 62 lakh. I just want to use this one for 20 years, provided no new government rule gets introduced again,” he said.
Since the implementation of the new rule, Vij shared that he has been receiving multiple calls from other vehicle owners in Delhi who are also grappling with the same situation. “I’ve had many people reach out—they too own vehicles that are 10 years old and are wondering what to do next,” he said.
The policy, though intended to address worsening air pollution in the capital, has triggered widespread concern among citizens who now face significant financial losses and emotional distress. As the July deadline comes into force, thousands more are expected to follow suit, either by selling their vehicles at nominal prices or transitioning to electric mobility, as Delhi continues to push for cleaner transport solutions.
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