Pakistan makes digital payment systems mandatory at fuel stations by Oct 31

In a significant step toward promoting a cashless economy, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority has directed all entities under its regulatory umbrella to implement digital payment solutions by Oct 31.

The directive applies to a wide range of OGRA-regulated businesses, including oil marketing companies, gas utilities, CNG stations, LPG and LNG operators, refineries, and lubricant marketers. These entities must now offer and clearly display digital payment options at all customer interaction points.

As part of the initiative, the deployment of the State Bank of Pakistan’s Raast QR code is mandatory to ensure a unified, secure, and cost-free digital payment experience for customers.

Raast is Pakistan's first instant payment system that enables digital payments among individuals, businesses, and government entities.

“This initiative will not only facilitate consumers but also strengthen Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem,” OGRA spokesperson Imran Ghaznavi said.

OGRA emphasized that no outlet will be allowed to refuse digital payments, reinforcing the government’s broader push for financial inclusion, operational efficiency, and transparency in the energy sector.

To support compliance, businesses have been advised to coordinate with commercial banks, microfinance institutions or electronic money institutions to obtain Raast QR codes free of cost.

The move aligns with the State Bank’s digitization agenda and the government’s vision for a more connected, technology-driven financial infrastructure.