Muscat: Acting in coordination with the Authority for Public Services Regulation and Oman Net Zero Centre, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has announced the application of new electric vehicle (EV) charging fees, ranging from 50 to 120 Baisa per kilowatt-hour, depending on the charging capacity and speed, with effect from 1 October 2026.
According to Oman News Agency, the approved standard sets the charging fee at 50 Baisa per kilowatt-hour for chargers with a capacity of 90 kilowatts or less, 90 Baisa per kilowatt-hour for chargers with a capacity between 91 and 180 kilowatts, and 120 Baisa per kilowatt-hour for chargers with a capacity of 181 kilowatts or more.
The application of these fees is part of efforts to regulate the electric vehicle charging market in the Sultanate of Oman, enhance price transparency for electric vehicle owners/users, and support the growth and sustainability of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The fees were determined after a comprehensive study on the economic and operational aspects of electric vehicle charging stations. The study aimed to balance affordability for users with economic viability and investment sustainability for charging station operators.
The study considered several factors related to the cost of establishing and operating stations, including the varying capital and operating costs, the speeds of the charging equipment, station utilization rates, and investment payback periods.
Findings showed that the fees for charging electric vehicles at service stations are lower than the cost of using gasoline-powered vehicles. This highlights the attractiveness of electric vehicles as a practical and economic option and supports the move towards expanding sustainable transport methods in Oman.
To achieve a balanced pricing structure that considers consumer needs and encourages investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, several surveys were conducted among electric vehicle users, industry stakeholders, and other parties. The surveys aimed to understand user expectations and their satisfaction with service fees, thus supporting community participation in decision-making.
The electric vehicle charging market in Oman is undergoing a new phase of regulation and expansion. Currently, charging points are operated by Shell Oman Marketing and First Electric Vehicle Company. Several new operators are in the planning and feasibility study stages, covering site evaluation, technical and operational assessments, and coordination regarding electrical grid connection and infrastructure requirements. New operators will be announced upon their entry into the market and the start of the actual installation and operation.
The Ministry has developed a unified national platform for electric vehicle charging-the "Charger App"-to serve as a single national interface. This platform allows electric vehicle users to access information on charging points operated by various providers across Oman, including locations, the number of chargers, their operational status and availability, charger types, charging capacity, operating hours, and approved service fees.