Delhi Hikes PUC Certificate Charges After 13 Years

The Delhi government has increased the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate charges for petrol, CNG, and diesel vehicles after 13 years. The hike, ranging between Rs 20 and Rs 40, aims to cover rising operational costs. The Delhi Petrol Dealers' Association has criticized the hike as unviable.

The Delhi government has increased the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate charges for petrol, CNG, and diesel vehicles after a gap of about 13 years, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot announced on Thursday. The updated charges range between Rs 20 and Rs 40.

Nischal Singhania, president of the Delhi Petrol Dealers' Association, called the hike ''unviable'' for covering operational costs. The organization plans to hold a meeting on Friday, and approximately 500 PUC certificate issuing centers are set to shut down from July 15.

The new charges for petrol, CNG, LPG (including biofuel), two-wheelers, and three-wheelers have been raised from Rs 60 to Rs 80, while four-wheelers will now be charged Rs 110 instead of Rs 80. For diesel vehicles, the charges have been revised from Rs 100 to Rs 140, Gahlot stated.

Singhania criticized the increase as insufficient for meeting rising operational costs. Previously, PUC certificates needed renewal every four months, costing Rs 240 annually. Now, annual renewals will cost Rs 60.

Gahlot highlighted that the increase was a long-standing demand from the association to keep pace with the rising costs of pollution checking services. He emphasized that the revision was necessary for the continued efficient operation and quality service at pollution checking stations.

The Delhi government remains committed to maintaining the city's air quality and ensuring that all vehicles comply with pollution standards, Gahlot concluded.