Delhi is no longer the world’s most polluted city, according to urban air quality data released by the World Health Organisation on Thursday. The capital, which earlier ranked first on the list, is now 11th. Based on readings of fine particulate matter in the air or PM 2.5, Zabol in Iran is now the most polluted city in the world, though Gwalior and Allahabad come a close second and third, The Times of India reported. Patna and Raipur are sixth and seventh on the list.

Delhi’s annual average of PM 2.5 readings are 12 times the WHO safe standard, and more than three times India’s standard. The WHO’s data showed an 8% increase in outdoor pollution in the last five years, with fast-growing cities in developing nations being the worst affected. India now has 16 of the world’s top 30 polluted cities. Experts have said an increase in fossil fuel consumption in India has likely led to the increase in pollution levels.

“Air policy action has started kicking in - with an environment compensation charge on trucks, action against other sources. We are responding to action but the levels are still very high in the city, it only shows that action has to be sustained to meet clean targets,” Anumita Roy Chowdhury, director of the Centre for Science and Environment told The Times of India.