Gurugram's fuel rule: What drivers must know

Vehicle owners in Gurugram may soon face challenges refueling if their cars lack a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. The district administration has introduced stricter pollution control regulations, now mandating a valid PUC certificate for purchasing petrol, diesel, and CNG fuels. A notice posted on X by the Gurugram Deputy Commissioner reads: NO PUC – NO FUEL!

Under these new guidelines, petrol pumps must verify whether a vehicle carries a valid emission certificate before dispensing fuel. To enforce this rule, 300 Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be installed at petrol pumps across Gurugram by November 15, 2026. These cameras will capture vehicle registration numbers and cross-reference them with a database to confirm PUC validity. Until the system is fully operational, petrol pump operators must manually check PUC certificates before fueling vehicles.

Failure to comply with these regulations could result in a fine of up to Rs 10,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act. The administration urges vehicle owners to keep their PUC certificates up-to-date and contribute to cleaner air in Gurugram. The region has been grappling with poor air quality, and these measures aim to improve the situation.

Delhi-NCR's air pollution has been a persistent issue, with air quality indexes (AQI) crossing the 'very poor' threshold in multiple locations. Gurugram itself recorded an AQI of 324 on Sunday morning, while neighboring regions like Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida also faced high pollution levels. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data indicates a regional air quality crisis.

The stricter measures come as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across various parts of India in the coming days. Residents in Delhi-NCR are hoping for a break from the poor air quality conditions that have been plaguing the region.