The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) on June 10, 2026, issued the Draft Gas Cylinders (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026, further to amend the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016.
The following has been amended:
• The draft defines CNG MRUs as mobile systems equipped with CNG storage cascades and dispensing facilities mounted on vehicles, trailers, or skids. Such units shall be owned by authorized City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities and approved by the Chief Controller of Explosives.
• The proposal mandates emergency shutdown systems, approved storage cylinders, periodic testing and inspection of equipment, maintenance of safety distances, controlled dispensing areas, and trained personnel for operations. CNG dispensing through MRUs will be restricted primarily to approved vehicles and equipment operating in mines, ports, railways, inland waterways, ships, boats, and other specified sectors, with limited exceptions subject to approval.
• The draft also requires site-specific emergency plans, accident reporting, maintenance of operational records, prohibition of public retail dispensing, and compliance with transport and safety regulations during movement and refuelling operations.
• Comments/Suggestions are invited till July 10, 2026.
[Notification no. - G.S.R. 461(E)]
