Muscat – Will the new public EV charging fee encourage or discourage people from switching to electric vehicles in Oman? Why? Here’s what Muscat Daily readers said –

Yarub Al Ghazali, Mechanical engineer

The new public EV charging fee could discourage some people from switching to electric vehicles, especially if charging becomes expensive compared to fuel. However, if the fee helps expand reliable charging infrastructure and remains affordable, it could support wider EV adoption in Oman.

Sami Al Hasni, PRO

I believe the new charging fee could have a mixed impact. It may help regulate the use of charging stations but if the fee is too high it could discourage some people from switching to electric vehicles. The impact will depend on the cost and availability of charging stations across Oman.

Mohammed Al Zadjali, Mechanical engineer

No I don’t think it will have any impact because petrol is still more expensive than charging electric cars. Another point is that electric cars are cheaper to maintain than petrol cars, and many showroom owners can confirm that. The cost of electric charging varies depending on power consumption, but even higher-wattage charging is still cheaper than petrol.

Khalid Waleed Al Rawahi, Student

The new EV charging fee in Oman may discourage some people from switching to electric vehicles because it increases charging costs. However, if the fee helps expand and improve charging infrastructure, it could support EV adoption in the long term. Overall, the impact will depend on cost and charging availability.

Ruqaya Issa Al Kindi, Student 

I think the new public EV charging fee may discourage some people from switching to electric vehicles, especially if charging becomes more expensive. However, a reasonable and transparent fee could support better charging infrastructure. Keeping prices affordable, while expanding reliable charging stations would encourage more people to consider EVs in Oman.

Fatma Al Badi, Journalist

I believe the fee may slow some people’s shift to electric vehicles, especially with limited charging stations and the cost of public charging. However, if the charging network expands and prices remain reasonable, the fee may not be a major barrier, particularly given the lower cost of home charging and maintenance compared to conventional vehicles.

Lujaina Sulaiman Al Diffai, Teacher trainee

I believe that electric vehicles do not cost much, either in charging or in maintaining. This fee may discourage some people from switching, but the issue is the limited number of charging stations. If the government provides numerous, easily accessible charging stations, the fee will be acceptable to citizens.

Ameera Al Amzaib, Student

I think the new public EV charging fee may discourage some people from switching to electric vehicles in Oman. One of the main reasons people choose electric cars is to save money on fuel and running costs. If charging becomes expensive, people may prefer regular cars. However, if the fee are reasonable, electric vehicles can be a good option for the future.

Binoy Koshy, Senior QHSE and internal audit manager

I’d say the fee may slightly discourage a few people at first, especially those who depend on public charging. But if the pricing is reasonable and charging stations are widely available, it can still encourage EV adoption by creating a reliable, sustainable charging network across Oman.

Dr Santhanakrishnan Sarangapani, Public sector employee

I would not say the new fee will discourage people from EVs by itself. It will discourage some potential buyers initially, especially those dependent on public fast charging. But if the revenue leads to a much denser and more reliable charging network, it could ultimately encourage EV adoption.