The Government of Delhi has announced a six-month suspension on the purchase of new petrol, diesel, CNG, and hybrid vehicles as part of a wider fuel conservation initiative launched in response to rising global energy concerns and geopolitical tensions.
Announcing the move, Rekha Gupta said the Delhi government will halt procurement of new internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid vehicles for the next six months.
The decision forms part of the newly launched “My India, My Contribution” Delhi Action Plan, which has been introduced following Narendra Modi’s call for fuel conservation and responsible spending amid growing global energy challenges.
Fuel Conservation Measures Announced
According to the Delhi government, the action plan focuses on reducing fuel and electricity consumption through multiple measures aimed at both government departments and the general public.
Key initiatives include:
- Greater use of public transport systems
- Carpooling initiatives
- Work-from-home arrangements for government employees
- Reduced use of official government vehicles
- Increased adoption of video conferencing for meetings
The government will also introduce a “Metro Monday” initiative to encourage higher usage of the Delhi Metro system among employees and citizens.
Additionally, official domestic travel expenditure across departments will be reduced by up to 20 per cent, while nearly half of all official meetings are expected to shift online.
Push for Public Transport and Last-Mile Connectivity
The Delhi government has urged residents to voluntarily observe one “No Vehicle Day” every week and make greater use of public transport networks including metro rail and buses.
To improve last-mile connectivity for government staff, authorities have prepared a route plan for 58 feeder buses that will serve 29 government colonies across the city.
The government also announced an incentive for employees using public transport regularly. Staff members who spend at least one-fourth of their transport allowance on public transit will receive an additional 10 per cent allowance.
Meanwhile, logistics and freight operators will be encouraged to shift a larger share of cargo movement to railway transport in an effort to reduce diesel consumption.
Fuel Prices Rise Amid Global Energy Concerns
The announcement comes shortly after state-owned oil marketing companies increased petrol and diesel prices by nearly Rs 3 per litre — the first fuel price hike in more than four years.
The increase follows mounting pressure on fuel retailers due to rising global crude oil and energy prices linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Delhi EV Policy 2026 Targets Cleaner Mobility
The latest measures also align with the draft Delhi EV Policy 2026 recently released by the Delhi government.
The proposed EV policy aims to accelerate electric vehicle adoption through incentives while gradually tightening restrictions on internal combustion engine vehicles in a phased manner.
The government’s latest fuel conservation initiative signals a stronger push toward sustainable mobility, lower fuel consumption, and greater reliance on electric and public transportation systems in the national capital.
