Centre Notifies New Rules For CNG, CBG Mobile Refuelling Units

The Centre has notified the Gas Cylinder (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026, setting out specific requirements for mobile refuelling units (MRUs) used to dispense compressed natural gas (CNG) and compressed biogas (CBG). The rules cover the ownership, operation, design and safety requirements of these mobile units, while also specifying where and for which vehicles or equipment CNG and CBG can be dispensed.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the notification earlier this week. The amendments will be effective from the date of their final publication in the Official Gazette.

Ownership, Safety Requirements Specified

The amendment brings provisions into the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, letting CNG and CBG to be dispensed into motor vehicles and specified equipment through mobile refuelling units. A CNG MRU must be owned by a city gas distribution (CGD) company authorised for the relevant geographical area. A CBG MRU must be owned by a licensee operating under Form E&F.

Also read: Maruti Suzuki Commissions 300kW Green Hydrogen Plant In Manesar, Haryana

Both types of units require an assembly approved by the Chief Controller. This covers the storage cascade, dispensing system, piping, hoses, pressure-regulating equipment, safety fittings, emergency shut-down (ESD) system, layout, operating procedures and emergency response arrangements.

The MRUs must have a fail-safe, manually operated ESD system accessible from at least two locations. It must be capable of isolating the cascade and dispensing lines, shutting off the CNG or CBG supply and stopping dispensing immediately. The system must also be tested periodically in accordance with the manufacturer's procedure.

Where Mobile Units Can Dispense Fuel

The amended rules restrict dispensing to approved onboard CNG or CBG cylinders installed as fuel tanks.

Permitted applications include non-transport vehicles operating in mines covered by the Mines Act or at notified ports, Indian Railways locomotives, approved ships and boats operating on inland or seaborne waterways, and engines being tested at government-authorised testing laboratories.

The Chief Controller can also permit refuelling of heavy equipment, machinery or other heavy vehicles that cannot be brought to conventional fuel dispensing stations. Such permission may include additional safeguards, site inspections, risk assessments and other specified conditions.

MRUs can be filled or charged only at designated areas of CNG mother stations or licensed CNG or CBG filling premises. The relevant MRU must be attached to the licensed premises and included in its approved layout and licence.

The rules prohibit CNG and CBG MRUs from being used for public retail dispensing on public roads, in residential areas, commercial parking areas, basements, enclosed premises or any other location that has not been specifically approved.

Strict Safety Measures For MRU

Prescribed safety distances must be maintained around an MRU during dispensing. The minimum distance from buildings and boundaries is four metres for storage cascades with a total water capacity of up to 4,500 litres and five metres for capacities exceeding 4,500 litres.

The Chief Controller can specify greater distances from roads, ignition sources, electrical lines, drains, basements and other vulnerable locations.

MRUs with a total water capacity above 10,000 litres cannot be used unless specifically permitted by the Chief Controller and subject to additional safeguards.

The dispensing area must be physically protected and carry warning signs in English, Hindi and the local language. Smoking, open flames, mobile phone use, hot work, unauthorised electrical equipment and public access are prohibited within the area.

Refuelling must take place under the direct supervision of an authorised and trained responsible person. The dispensing area must also provide unobstructed access for emergency vehicles, including fire tenders and ambulances.

Vehicle Approvals, Emergency Procedures Mandated

The rules prescribe requirements for cylinders, hoses and couplings used by MRUs. Storage cascade cylinders must comply with specified standards, including IS-7285, ISO-9809 and ISO-11119, or another code accepted by the Chief Controller.

The maximum allowable working pressure for these cylinders is capped at 250 bar gauge unless another pressure has been specifically approved.

Hoses and couplings must be suitable for CNG and CBG service and have a minimum burst pressure four times the maximum operating pressure. They must also incorporate provisions such as breakaway couplings, excess-flow or quick shut-off arrangements and bonding or earthing.

The vehicles and equipment proposed for CNG or CBG refuelling must be vetted by the relevant competent authority. Depending on the application, this could include the Directorate General of Mines Safety, port authorities, railway administration or the Inland Waterways Authority of India.

The approved list must be maintained at the site and updated before any new vehicle or equipment is refuelled.

Refuelling must be stopped while an MRU is being exchanged. Valves must be closed, the dispensing system depressurised where required and the ESD kept activated throughout the exchange operation.

Before dispensing starts, operators must inspect hoses, couplings, valves, the dispenser and the receiving fuel system for leaks.

Detailed Record-Keeping Requirements

A site-specific emergency plan must be prepared for every location and submitted to the relevant authorities. The plan must be displayed at the site, communicated to operators and tested through periodic mock drills.

The licensee or CGD entity must maintain records covering MRU filling and dispensing, pressure readings, vehicle and equipment details, operator information, leak checks, ESD checks, hose testing, maintenance, defects, repairs and incidents.

The notification defines a CNG or CBG MRU as a mobile assembly carrying storage, dispensing and associated safety equipment on a vehicle, trailer, skid or another mobile platform. The unit is intended to dispense CNG or CBG into approved onboard fuel cylinders or fuel systems at specifically approved sites.