Fuel Ban Fallout: Rs 84 Lakh Mercedes-Benz ML350 Sold for Just Rs 2.5 Lakh Amid New Diesel-Petrol Restrictions
Fuel Ban Fallout: Rs 84 Lakh Mercedes-Benz ML350 Sold for Just Rs 2.5 Lakh Amid New Diesel-Petrol Restrictions
Strict July 1 ban leaves luxury vehicle owners in distress as resale values plummet; CAQM aims to curb pollution with tech-enabled enforcement.
A sweeping fuel ban enforced in Delhi from July 1 has triggered panic and massive financial loss for many vehicle owners, particularly those with high-end diesel and petrol vehicles. In a striking example, a Mercedes-Benz ML350, originally priced at ₹84 lakh, was reportedly sold for a mere ₹2.5 lakh, following the new restrictions.
The new rules, enacted by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), prohibit fuel stations in Delhi from refueling diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years, regardless of their current fitness or condition. The move is aimed at addressing the capital’s dangerous pollution levels, but it has severely impacted vehicle resale markets.
Among the affected owners is Ritesh Gandotra, who owns an 8-year-old diesel Range Rover bought for ₹55 lakh in 2018. Despite having barely used the car during the COVID-19 lockdown, Gandotra now finds himself facing major losses.
“My car has over two lakh kilometers of potential life left, but now it’s nearly worthless in the Delhi market,” he said.
To enforce the rule, over 350 fuel stations in the city have been equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, enabling authorities to detect banned vehicles instantly.
According to CAQM data, nearly 62 lakh vehicles in the Delhi region fall under the End-of-Life (EOL) category comprising 41 lakh two-wheelers and 18 lakh four-wheelers and are now ineligible for refueling within the city limits.
While the policy is considered crucial for improving air quality, critics argue it lacks provisions for transition support and disproportionately penalizes owners of still-functional vehicles.
