In a decisive move to combat the capital's persistent air quality crisis, the Delhi government has announced a stringent new enforcement measure targeting vehicular pollution. Starting December 18, fuel stations across the national capital will be mandated to deny petrol and diesel to any vehicle that fails to produce a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
One-Day Grace Period for Compliance
Delhi Minister Saurabh Sirsa made the critical announcement on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He stated that vehicle owners have been granted a brief window of just one day to ensure their compliance with the existing rule. "After tomorrow, vehicles that do not have a valid PUC certificate will not be provided fuel," Sirsa declared, leaving no room for ambiguity. This directive reinforces a long-standing but often flouted regulation, bringing strict enforcement to the forefront.
Direct Attack on Vehicular Pollution
The initiative is a direct intervention aimed at curbing one of the major contributors to Delhi's toxic air—emissions from millions of private and commercial vehicles. A PUC certificate is an official document that verifies a vehicle's emissions are within the prescribed limits set by the government. By linking fuel supply directly to this certificate, authorities aim to ensure a higher rate of compliance and force owners to maintain their vehicles properly.
This step is part of a broader Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) that comes into effect during the winter months when air quality typically plunges to 'severe' and 'hazardous' levels. The government hopes this measure will significantly reduce the number of polluting vehicles on the road.
Implications for Delhi's Residents
The immediate consequence for vehicle owners is clear: obtaining a valid PUC certificate is now an urgent priority. The certificates are issued after an emissions test at authorized centers, typically valid for one year for new petrol vehicles and three months for older petrol and all diesel vehicles. Failure to secure one will result in being stranded at the fuel pump.
This enforcement shift places responsibility squarely on both the vehicle owner and the fuel station operators, who will be expected to verify the certificate before dispensing fuel. While the rule aims to improve air quality, it may lead to initial queues and disruptions at PUC centers as residents rush to meet the deadline.
Minister Sirsa's announcement signals a no-tolerance approach from the Delhi government in its fight against pollution. The success of this measure will depend on rigorous implementation at all fuel outlets and public awareness. As the December 18 deadline looms, Delhiites are being compelled to take personal accountability for their vehicle's emissions in the collective effort to breathe cleaner air.
