Oman has taken a significant step towards fostering sustainable transportation with the introduction of a new regulation that mandates the presence of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at all fuel stations across the country. The move underscores the sultanate’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions and reducing carbon emissions in line with global environmental initiatives.
According to a recent ministerial decree published in the government’s Official Gazette on November 5, the directive stipulates that “owners of commercial filling stations are obligated to provide an electric charging point for vehicles, following the requirements and regulations set forth by the Public Services Regulatory Authority.” The decree further outlines that the decision will be enforced 180 days after its publication.
The regulation also establishes a penalty framework for non-compliance, wherein initial offenders will receive a written warning, followed by an administrative fine of 1,000 Omani riyals ($2,597.66) for repeated violations. Persistent non-compliance will result in an escalated fine of 3,000 Omani riyals.
As of the end of 2022, Oman boasted a total of 676 fuelling stations, as per data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The country, known for its significant oil production, has been actively advocating for sustainable practices in the field of mobility. Last week, Oman unveiled plans to amplify the number of charging stations, aiming to increase the current count of 100 stations to 300 by 2025.
The expansion initiative is slated to encompass all governorates within the sultanate, with a vision to establish a green transit corridor catering to heavy vehicles. This proposed corridor will link Oman’s Sohar Port to various oil concession areas, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to embracing environmentally conscious transit solutions.
