Islamabad: The Petroleum and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Thursday directed all entities licensed in the oil and gas sector to guarantee the adoption of digital payment solutions for all transactions before October 31 as part of the government’s impulse towards an economy without cash.
According to the Directive, oil marketing companies, Public Gas Services, GNC stations, GNP and LNG operators, refineries and lubricant marketing specialists must introduce and show in a prominent way digital payment options, particularly the RAAST QR Code of the State Bank of Pakistan, at their points of sale.
“No means will be allowed to reject customers who opt for digital transactions. On October 31, 2025, it requires total compliance,” said the regulator. While consumers will still have the option of paying in cash, companies will be obliged to accept digital payments.
Ogra said that the initiative supports the State Bank Digitization Program and aims to improve financial inclusion, transparency and operational efficiency throughout the energy sector. Companies have been advised to coordinate with banks, microfinance institutions or electronic money suppliers to obtain free -cost RAAST codes for timely deployment.
All fuel outlets, public services told him to adopt payments without cash before October 31
“This initiative will facilitate consumers and strengthen Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem,” said the regulator.
The directive applies to the entire upstream, intermediate and downstream value chain, which covers marketing, refining, transport, storage, transmission and distribution of natural oil and natural gas products, including CNG, LPG and LNG.
The authorities said the decision had been considered before the Fiscal Year 26 budget under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister as part of the “war against the government”.
Gasoline pumps throughout the country, from Karachi to Khyber and Azad Kaman, must offer code, debit and credit code options, and mobile payment options along with cash transactions.
Unlike the point of sale systems (POS), which require investment in machines and maintenance, QR codes and similar digital solutions imply a minimum cost. The authorities cited the experience of India, Indonesia and Bangladesh, where similar measures had significantly expanded without effective transactions.
Despite the legal requirements of long data, tens of thousands of restaurants and businesses, some located near the headquarters of the Federal Income Board (FBR) in Islamabad, continue to issue invoices on paper and resist digital payments.
Separately, the Government is promoting legislation in Parliament to introduce digital monitoring of import and production oil products to retail sales. The measure aims to stop smuggling and adulteration, which is estimated to cause annual revenue losses of RS300-500 billion, while damage the engines and the environment.
Posted in Dawn, August 29, 2025
