Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion is set to implement a new regulatory framework for fuel filling stations starting Wednesday, 6 May 2026, under Ministerial Decision No. (142/2025).

According to Oman News Agency, the initiative aims to enhance service quality in the fuel station sector in Oman, supporting the investment environment by updating regulatory frameworks and streamlining procedures for licensing. This is expected to improve sector efficiency and cater to economic growth.

The Ministry reported notable activity in Oman's fuel station sector during 2026, with 16 new station applications, two operating licences, and six construction licences issued. This indicates growing investment interest in the sector.

Nasra Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry, stated that the updates to the regulatory framework align with Oman Vision 2040 goals, focusing on service quality and infrastructure development. The regulation aims to simplify licensing and classify stations by modern technical and planning standards for sustainability.

Eng. Ahmed Mubarak Al Balushi, Head of Petroleum Products Licensing Section, noted that the regulation represents a developmental shift, aligning with market and urban planning needs. The regulation classifies stations into four categories based on size and services: integrated, commercial, smart self-service, and mobile stations.

Al Balushi highlighted that the regulation sets distance requirements between stations and mandates proof of ownership, economic feasibility, and safety for establishing fuel stations. Integrated stations must offer essential services, including solar energy infrastructure and electric vehicle charging points.

The Ministry outlined the licensing procedure, where applications are submitted to marketing companies for evaluation, with operating licences issued within 30 days of meeting requirements. The regulation also details administrative penalties for non-compliance, aiming to ensure safety and balanced geographical distribution of fuel stations.