The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has extended the temporary relaxation allowing industries, hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises in Delhi-NCR to use alternative fuels such as high-speed diesel (HSD), biomass, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) pellets in place of natural gas, citing disruptions in global energy supplies. The temporary use of coal and kerosene has also been allowed in case of limitations in the availability of such alternative fuels.
Background of the Relaxation
The temporary relaxation on the use of alternative fuel has been in force since March 13. CAQM stated that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has communicated to the commission that the disruption in natural gas supply, which started early March 2026 due to geopolitical developments in West Asia, continues to persist. In an order dated June 12, CAQM said the relaxation has been extended till August 18, or until normalcy in gas supplies is restored.
Expert Views on Electrification
However, since industries remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, experts stressed that electrification of certain industrial processes would reduce dependence on natural gas and help improve air quality. Sunil Dahiya, founder of think tank Envirocatalyst, said, “Electrification is essential. It can provide a more stable energy source while reducing pollution. For example, light engineering and metal-processing units in Wazirpur, Mayapuri, Sahibabad, and Kundli can replace fossil fuel-based heating chambers with electrically powered furnaces.”
He added that industries involved in chemicals, plastics, and rubber manufacturing could transition to fully electric moulding equipment and electric heating systems for moulds and processing units. Such industrial clusters are located in Narela, Bawana, Loni Industrial Area in Ghaziabad, Jhajjar, and Alwar. Similarly, units involved in heavy manufacturing and auto components can adopt electric induction and resistance-based heating systems for forging and metal treatment processes, replacing oil-based furnaces.
Industrial Pollution Contribution
Industrial pollution is one of the major factors contributing to Delhi’s air quality. A 2018 joint study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) stated that industries contribute to 22% of PM10 and 22% of PM2.5 in Delhi’s air pollution during the summer season. These figures rise to 27% and 30%, respectively, in winter.
Need for Long-term Solutions
According to Nivit Yadav, programme director of the sustainable industrialisation and renewable energy unit at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the ongoing fuel crisis has highlighted the need to be better prepared for future disruptions. “Since India has limited oil and gas resources, we need to tap into solar energy more aggressively. The government should establish clear timelines for electrification across sectors, beginning with transport and then moving to industries, supported by sector-specific roadmaps,” he said.
Yadav further added that the government should invest in studies to identify industrial processes that can be electrified and understand the barriers to adoption. “Grid electricity remains expensive, so incentives should be provided to make solar power more affordable. Many small-scale industries use boilers that contribute significantly to PM2.5 emissions. Such units should be encouraged to transition to electric boilers,” he added.
