“No PUC No Fuel” Delhi-NCR Air Pollution Rules 2026: Check Fine Amount For New Vehicle Curbs Under GRAP

Delhi-NCR residents are going to face stricter air pollution rules for the upcoming winter season later this year, since the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is bringing many restrictions into force at an earlier stage.

One of the most important rules is the "no PUC, no fuel" policy, under which vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate can be denied petrol or diesel at fuel stations.

The fine for driving without a valid PUC certificate is Rs. 10,000.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has approved a revised GRAP schedule for the 2026 winter season, with 48 actions divided in four stages.

No PUC, No Fuel Rule: Rs. 10,000 Fine

From October 1, 2026, vehicles in Delhi-NCR must have a valid PUC certificate to buy fuel. In the "no PUC, no fuel" rule, petrol pumps can refuse fuel to vehicles that do not have a valid Pollution Under Control certificate. Vehicle owners without a valid PUC can also face a Rs. 10,000 penalty.

The rule is mainly put in place to encourage vehicle owners to regularly check whether their vehicles meet prescribed emission standards.

GRAP Stage I: Restrictions Start Earlier

In the revised GRAP framework, some restrictions that previously came into effect at higher pollution levels will now begin earlier.

For example, restrictions on certain inter-state and inter-city buses have been shifted from Stage II to Stage I.

Buses entering Delhi-NCR from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and adjoining states, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir, will need to meet specified standards. Electric, CNG and BS-VI diesel buses are allowed under the provision.

BS-III Petrol, BS-IV Diesel Cars Face Restrictions

If air pollution worsens to GRAP Stage III, restrictions will apply to certain older vehicles.

BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will face restrictions in Delhi and high-vehicle-density districts including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Sonipat.

Rules For Goods Vehicles

The revised GRAP rules also tighten restrictions on goods vehicles. At Stage III, specified BS-IV and older light and medium goods vehicles face restrictions. Stage IV brings tougher restrictions on trucks and heavy goods vehicles.

Diesel Generators And Construction Sites

Restrictions on diesel generator (DG) sets have also been moved to an earlier stage. Only DG sets meeting notified emission standards or equipped with approved emission-control systems will be permitted under the applicable rules. Some essential facilities, including hospitals and lifts, wil get receive exemptions.