The recent restrictions on older vehicles entering Delhi have led to a significant increase in demand for CNG conversions in the National Capital Region (NCR). Installation centres in Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram are reportedly experiencing a surge of up to 50 per cent in inquiries and bookings. Many vehicle owners are now opting for CNG conversions of their existing petrol cars instead of investing in newer, BS-VI-compliant vehicles.

These restrictions, which took effect on November 1, 2026, will remain in place until January 31, 2027. They prohibit vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards from entering the city. The rules specifically target BS-IV and older petrol and diesel vehicles, while CNG and electric vehicles, along with designated emergency vehicles, are exempt from these limitations.

For residents of Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram who commute to Delhi for work, education, and other daily activities, these restrictions have prompted a reassessment of their travel options. Many are now considering CNG conversions as a viable solution to navigate the new regulations.

Rising Demand for CNG Installations

Shakti Singh, a car expert affiliated with a CNG installation business in Sector 122, Noida, reported a more than 50 per cent increase in demand within the first two weeks of the restrictions. With conversion costs starting at approximately Rs 35,000, CNG installation has emerged as a cost-effective alternative, particularly for middle-class families with smaller vehicles. Singh noted that concerns about air pollution and a desire to contribute to cleaner air are also motivating some customers to switch to CNG.

The trend is similarly evident in Ghaziabad, where a local installer mentioned that they converted four to five vehicles in just two to three days, a notable increase from the typical four to five conversions in an entire week. Yatin Bansal from Car Craft in Sector 83, Noida, stated that daily inquiries regarding CNG installations have surged by nearly 50 per cent. Many customers who initially sought information are now returning to schedule appointments and inquire about registration processes.

Bansal explained that conversion costs generally range from Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000 for BS-IV vehicles, while installations for BS-VI vehicles can cost between Rs 50,000 and Rs 70,000. The majority of inquiries are coming from middle-class vehicle owners who cite the new entry restrictions as their primary motivation for considering conversions.

Seasonal Pollution Concerns Amplify Demand

The increase in demand for CNG installations is not confined to Noida and Ghaziabad. An installer in Karnal reported a 25-30 per cent rise in installations, as well as an uptick in inquiries from customers who had previously sought information. Deshraj of RB Autos, who has been involved in the CNG installation business for two decades, noted that inquiries have significantly increased since the implementation of the restrictions on November 1.

While installation centres typically see a seasonal rise in demand during the winter months due to pollution, this year’s surge appears more pronounced. Deshraj indicated that a similar trend was observed last year, but the current restrictions have prompted even more vehicle owners to approach installation centres.

Commuter Challenges Amidst New Regulations

The entry restrictions coincide with worsening air quality in Delhi, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has recently surpassed 400, categorising it as severe. The enforcement of these new rules has resulted in long queues at several border crossings into Delhi, where vehicles are being checked for compliance. This has led to bumper-to-bumper traffic and extended waiting times, complicating travel for commuters.

Office workers, parents dropping children at schools in Delhi, and other daily commuters from neighbouring cities have reported significant delays, with some experiencing hours-long waits at entry points. The combination of vehicle restrictions and deteriorating air quality is creating additional challenges for those who travel to the capital regularly.

The Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards govern the permissible levels of pollutants released by vehicles. BS-IV norms were introduced in Delhi-NCR and 13 other major cities in April 2010, becoming mandatory for new vehicles nationwide in April 2017. India subsequently bypassed BS-V and moved directly to BS-VI, which implemented stricter emission limits, coming into force on April 1, 2020.

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