ASEA Proposes New Safety Rules for CNG Fueling Facilities

Mexico’s environmental and energy safety agency ASEA has launched a 60-day public consultation on a proposed update to the national standard regulating compressed natural gas (CNG) facilities for vehicle fueling. The new draft, PROY-NOM-022-ASEA-2025, would replace the 2016 version and set updated safety and environmental requirements for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of CNG compression and fueling infrastructure across Mexico.

The proposed regulation applies to installations used for loading transportable storage modules and CNG vehicle service stations. It introduces stricter technical guidelines, including revised minimum safety distances, classification of facilities by activity type, and updated requirements for civil, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems. It also outlines a detailed compliance evaluation process to obtain permits for each operational stage.

The updated standard aims to reflect technological advancements and reinforce protections for both public safety and the environment. Investors, operators, and stakeholders have until late September to submit feedback to ASEA’s national hydrocarbons sector committee.

The move comes as Mexico pushes to modernize its energy infrastructure while ensuring safety amid growing adoption of natural gas in transport. ASEA emphasized its commitment to transparency and regulatory improvement as it invites industry input before finalizing the rule.