Oman Unveils New Fuel Station Regulations for 2026

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) announced it will implement a new regulatory framework for fuel filling stations across Oman starting Wednesday, 6 May 2026. This full initiative aims to streamline operations and enhance standards within the sector, promoting efficiency and sustainability. The regulation has been formally issued under Ministerial Decision No. (142/2025), establishing the legal basis for the upcoming changes that will affect all fuel stations in the Sultanate. This new decision shows the government's commitment to modernizing essential infrastructure and services.

Station Categories Defined

The new framework classifies fuel stations into four distinct categories: Integrated Stations, Commercial Stations, Smart Self-Service Stations, and Mobile Stations. Each category is designed to serve different operational scales and geographical needs, ensuring full coverage and specialized services across the country. Integrated Stations are required to have a minimum area of 10,000 square metres and will provide extensive commercial services, solar infrastructure, and electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities. These stations are envisioned as multi-purpose hubs, offering a wide array of amenities beyond fuel. Commercial Stations, designed for more localized needs and urban areas, must occupy a minimum area of 3,000 square metres. These facilities are expected to cater to regular daily commuting and local transport requirements. For smaller footprints and niche locations, Smart Self-Service Stations are defined by a minimum area of 800 square metres, focusing on automated and efficient fuel dispensing. Finally, Mobile Stations are designed to offer fuel services through portable units, providing flexibility and reach to various remote or temporary locations, ensuring fuel access where traditional stations are not feasible.

Distance and Infrastructure Requirements

The new regulations establish specific distance requirements for fuel stations to ensure optimal distribution and prevent over-saturation in certain areas. A minimum distance of 5 kilometres must separate stations located on non-dual carriageways, promoting fair competition and strategic placement. For integrated stations, the framework mandates a minimum separation of 50 kilometres between facilities operating in the same direction, though specific regional exceptions to this rule apply to accommodate unique geographical or developmental needs.

Integrated stations are subject to full infrastructure requirements, reflecting a forward-looking approach to energy and environmental stewardship. These facilities must incorporate solar energy infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to renewable sources and reducing the carbon footprint of operations. Electric vehicle (EV) charging points are also a mandatory feature, addressing the growing demand for EV services and supporting the transition to cleaner transportation. Additionally, integrated stations are required to provide hydrogen refuelling capabilities, positioning them as multi-energy hubs capable of serving a diverse range of vehicles and future energy demands. This integrated approach aims to make these stations central points for various energy solutions.

Licensing and Enforcement

In 2026, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has already processed 16 new station applications and issued eight total licences for construction or operation under the new framework, indicating proactive implementation. The regulations stipulate that operating licences can be issued within 30 days once all requirements are met by applicants, ensuring a swift and efficient approval process for compliant establishments. These operating licences are valid for a renewable three-year period, streamlining the continuity of operations for fuel stations across Oman and providing stability for operators. The framework further details a strong system of administrative penalties for non-compliance, ranging from official warnings and financial fines to the outright suspension of licences for serious violations. This enforcement mechanism aims to ensure strict adherence to the new standards, maintaining high levels of safety, service quality, and environmental responsibility across the sector.

Expert Commentary

Eng. Ahmed Al Balushi, an expert with Muscat Media Group and Bitwize, commented on the new regulations. He noted the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion's role in driving these significant changes, emphasizing their potential for modernising Oman's fuel sector and aligning it with international best practices and future energy trends.