Petrol pump owners in Delhi have issued a warning that they will cease conducting Pollution Under Control (PUC) tests from July 1 due to the high operational costs involved. This could result in vehicle owners paying up to 50% more for PUC certificates if the proposed fee increase is implemented to sustain the service. The Transport Department is seriously considering this proposal.
Current Situation and Fee Hike Proposal
The increased fees would apply to all types of vehicles, including two-wheelers and four-wheelers. A senior official from the Transport Department indicated that the fee hike will be aligned with the inflation rate to ensure it remains affordable for vehicle owners while covering the costs for petrol pump operators.
Increased Costs for PUC Tests
The Delhi Petrol Dealers Association highlights that inflation has surged by 65% over the past 13 years, yet the PUC test fees have not been adjusted during this period. This discrepancy has made it financially unviable for petrol pump owners to operate PUC centers.
Demand for Fee Increase
Petrol pump operators have long requested an increase in PUC test fees due to escalating operational costs. The Transport Department is now taking these requests seriously, considering a new fee structure that accounts for inflation. Currently, Delhi has 953 PUC testing centers for petrol, diesel, and CNG vehicles.
Transport Department’s Considerations
A senior Transport Department official mentioned that the new fee structure will take inflation into account to ensure fees are reasonable for vehicle owners while preventing losses for dealers.
Current and Proposed PUC Testing Fees
| Vehicle Type | Current Fee | Proposed Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Wheelers | ₹60 | ₹150 |
| Petrol/CNG Cars | ₹80 | ₹200 |
| Diesel Vehicles | ₹100 | ₹300 |
All fees are subject to an 18% GST.
Challenges Faced by PUC Centers
Nischal Singhania, President of the Delhi Petrol Dealers Association, stated that running PUC centers has become prohibitively expensive. Each center incurs significant monthly expenses, while the income generated is insufficient, leading to continuous losses for the operators.
Historical Fee Adjustments
The last fee increase for PUC tests was in November 2011. Despite multiple requests to the Transport Commissioner, there has been no response. The association has warned that if no action is taken by July 1, they will halt PUC services in Delhi.
Impact on Vehicle Owners and Dealers
If the proposed fee increase is implemented:
- Two-Wheeler Owners: May have to pay ₹150 for PUC certification.
- Petrol/CNG Car Owners: Proposed fee is ₹200.
- Diesel Vehicle Owners: Proposed fee is ₹300.
This potential fee increase aims to balance the financial viability of PUC centers and maintain affordability for vehicle owners. The Transport Department is working to implement a fair and sustainable solution.
