New Delhi, July 2 -- A new vehicle regulation that came into effect on July 1 has triggered widespread distress among thousands of Delhi residents, as the government enforces a ban on fuel refills for diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.

Implemented under the orders of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the regulation aims to reduce pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). Fuel stations across Delhi are now legally barred from dispensing petrol or diesel to vehicles that have crossed the age limit, regardless of their condition or performance.

The fallout is immediate. Many residents are being forced to sell their old vehicles at drastically reduced prices, with limited resale ...