January 2026: New ISO Standard for CNG Fuelling Stations in Petroleum and Energy Technologies

The global shift toward cleaner fuels is accelerating innovation and safety protocols across the petroleum and energy sector. This January 2026, a pivotal update arrives with the release of ISO 16923:2026, delivering comprehensive international requirements for compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelling stations. For professionals navigating the evolving landscape of alternative fuels, this standard sets a new benchmark for safety, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.

Overview / Introduction

Petroleum and Energy Technologies continue to embody the cutting edge of industrial safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. In this context, standards are not simply regulatory hurdles—they are practical frameworks that underpin safer operations, technological interoperability, and global market access.

This article explores the January 2026 publication of ISO 16923:2026, which defines requirements for CNG fuelling station design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Whether you are a quality manager, compliance officer, engineer, or responsible for procurement, this overview highlights the technical expectations and practical impacts you need to understand for effective implementation and future-proofed infrastructure.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 16923:2026 - Natural Gas Fuelling Stations – CNG Stations for Fuelling Vehicles

Natural gas fuelling stations — Compressed natural gas (CNG) stations for fuelling vehicles

ISO 16923:2026 sets the international benchmark for the full lifecycle of CNG stations intended for vehicle fuelling. Developed by the ISO Technical Committee on Natural Gas Fuelling Stations, in collaboration with European and international regulators, this second edition replaces ISO 16923:2016, integrating substantial improvements based on current operational practice, new risk mitigation strategies, and expanded equipment requirements.

What the Standard Covers

• Scope: ISO 16923:2026 applies to all design, construction, operation, maintenance, and inspection activities for CNG fuelling stations. It covers stations supplied with natural gas (conforming to local regulations or ISO 13686) and CNG derived from liquefied natural gas (LCNG). Whether a station is public or private, slow or fast fill, or features fixed or mobile storage, these requirements apply up to the dispensing nozzle.
• Equipment Inclusion: The scope encompasses compressors, dryers, storage vessels, piping, valves, dispensers, electrical safety systems, and emergency controls. Multi-fuel and mobile (daughter) stations are included, enhancing the specification's reach in dynamic and evolving market segments.

Key Requirements and Specifications

• Risk Management: A lifecycle risk management approach is now mandatory, requiring systematic identification, assessment (per ISO 12100 and IEC 31010), mitigation, and documentation of risks—from the earliest design stages through operation and decommissioning.
• Hazardous Area Classification: Hazards must be appraised and managed in accordance with IEC 60079-10-1, including careful attention to electrical and ignition source control.
• Design & Safety:
  • Exposed gas equipment must be physically protected from vehicle collision, mechanical damage, and environmental threats.
  • Enhanced requirements on pressure safety relief valves, venting, and overpressure prevention per ISO 4126-1 ensure safer plant operation.
  • Strict separation distances (as detailed in Annex B) for both internal and external risks, addressing fire, explosion, and cross-contamination with other fuels.
  • Redundancy and fail-safe design for manual and automated shut-offs, plus improved emergency shutdown devices (ESDs) and procedures.
• Operational Provisions:
  • Odorized gas is required for all fuelling operations, with specific provisions if unodorized gas is used (see Clause 10).
  • Compressor and pipework must adhere to both material and operational safety standards, including vibration limits (ISO 20816-8) and fire resistance.
  • Maintenance practices, inspection frequencies, gas detection systems, and continuous personnel training protocols form part of a systematic safety management program.

Target Industries and Compliance

• Who Is Affected:
  • Public and private CNG station operators
  • Engineering consultants, design-build contractors, and EPCs
  • Safety inspectors, risk managers, regulators
  • Utility companies and fleet operators utilizing or designing NGV fuelling infrastructure
  • Manufacturers and suppliers of fuelling station equipment

Practical Implications

• Implementation: Operators must re-examine site layouts, equipment sourcing, and operational documentation. Existing stations may require upgrades or procedural changes to maintain conformity as local regulatory bodies adopt this new standard.
• Lifecycle Focus: The mandate for risk assessments at every lifecycle stage means organizations must invest in robust, documented safety and maintenance programs, train personnel, and improve traceability of equipment and incidents.

Notable Changes from Previous Editions

• Explicit exclusion of vehicle-to-vehicle transfer and vehicle refuelling appliances (VRAs), clarifying the standard's application boundaries.
• Enhanced risk management measures and expanded hazardous area classification.
• Revised physical protection, electrical reliability, and venting requirements.
• Updated annexes reflecting best current practices for site design, fuelling procedures, emergency response, and maintenance routines.

Key highlights:

• Lifecycle risk management, from design through operations
• Comprehensive requirements for all CNG station types and configurations
• Enhanced safety, fire/explosion mitigation, and inspection protocols

Access the full standard:View ISO 16923:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Impact on Businesses

The publication of ISO 16923:2026 signals a reinforced expectation for safety, traceability, and operational discipline across the CNG fuelling sector. Station operators and designers now have a unified reference for compliance—streamlining global operations, supporting cross-border projects, and ensuring market recognition.

Compliance Considerations and Timelines

• Organizations should review current policies and systems against the updated standard, prioritizing any gaps related to:
  • Station design and siting
  • Emergency planning and shutdown
  • Risk documentation and reporting
  • Equipment protection and segregation of hazardous areas
• Transition timelines depend on local regulation. However, many authorities adopt ISO standards as binding within 18-24 months of publication. Continuous improvement programs should begin to integrate new provisions immediately.

Benefits of Adoption

• Stronger protection for staff, the public, and property
• Increased operational reliability and reduced downtime from unplanned incidents
• Enhanced reputation with stakeholders, including regulators and the public
• Streamlined procurement and project design with globally recognized specifications

Risks of Non-Compliance

Failure to implement ISO 16923:2026 can result in:

• Regulatory penalties or restricted operational licenses
• Increased likelihood of occupational safety incidents or environmental damage
• Reduced insurance coverage and increased costs after claims
• Project delays as infrastructure is found non-conforming to internationally recognized best practices

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements

• Hazardous Area Controls: Comprehensive assessment and zonal classification (IEC 60079-10-1) is now a baseline for all electrical and mechanical installations within the CNG station perimeter.
• Functional Safety: Instrumented systems for pressure, temperature, and shutdown must align with IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 standards, applying relevant SIL (Safety Integrity Level) requirements.
• Material and Equipment Selection: All piping, hoses, valves, and enclosures must meet international design and test codes, ensuring compatibility with high-pressure, explosive environments and resistance to environmental degradation (ISO 9809/11119, among others).
• Ventilation, Labeling, and Access Control: Stations require controlled access, marked emergency exits, robust fencing or barriers, and clear, visible safety signage to protect personnel and public alike.

Implementation Best Practices

1. Early Risk Assessment: Engage multidisciplinary teams from concept stage to evaluate hazards, select sites, and design layouts minimizing risk.
2. Comprehensive Training: Ensure all personnel, from designers to operators, are trained to the requirements of ISO 16923:2026 and local regulatory frameworks.
3. Integrated Maintenance Programs: Develop and document routine inspection, testing, and maintenance for all critical systems—especially pressure relief, venting, compressors, and emergency controls.
4. Testing & Commissioning: Prioritize extensive functional and operational testing prior to handover, with detailed documentation for traceability.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• Engage certified third-party agencies for audit and compliance verification—especially for hazardous area classification, fire/explosion mitigation systems, and functional safety barriers.
• Maintain thorough operational manuals, ERP (emergency response plan), and training records as required by the standard.
• Regularly review and update procedures based on incident analysis, technological advances, and lessons from maintenance/inspection programs.

Conclusion / Next Steps

ISO 16923:2026 offers a practical, robust framework for the safe and efficient operation of CNG fuelling stations for vehicles worldwide. For organizations in Petroleum and Energy Technologies, early adoption will ensure regulatory compliance, operational reliability, and enhanced stakeholder confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• The new ISO 16923:2026 establishes comprehensive safety, operational, and design standards for CNG vehicle fuelling stations.
• A lifecycle risk management approach, enhanced hazardous area controls, and robust maintenance and inspection programs are among its defining features.
• Adoption will foster greater safety, efficiency, and global interoperability in the expanding natural gas vehicle market.

Recommendations:

• Review your organization’s current fuelling station assets and operational protocols against the new ISO standard.
• Engage with your design, engineering, and safety teams to prioritize compliance upgrades.
• Maintain continuous training and robust documentation to demonstrate compliance and support safe operations.

Stay ahead—explore the complete ISO 16923:2026 standard on iTeh Standards and ensure your organization is fully aligned with the latest international best practices.