Delhi Eateries Face Fuel Crisis as Relaxation Deadline Looms

Delhi eateries may soon face difficulties as the temporary relaxation allowing them to use coal and high-speed diesel is set to expire on September 13. The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) is unlikely to extend this relaxation, citing concerns that continuing it could dilute the gains from restrictions on polluting fuels.

The temporary reprieve was granted after a disruption in natural gas supplies due to the West Asia conflict. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had allowed industries, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments in NCR to use alternative fuels like HSD, biomass, and refuse-derived fuel pellets in place of natural gas.

However, officials said there is unlikely to be a fourth relaxation, with the decision on extending it pending. The CAQM is concerned that continuing the relaxation through winter could add to the pollution burden at a time when stagnant weather conditions already make it harder for the city to disperse pollutants.