The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has directed all licensed entities under its jurisdiction to implement digital payment systems by Oct. 31, 2025, as part of measures to support Pakistan’s transition toward a cashless economy.
The directive applies to all OGRA-regulated businesses, including oil marketing companies, gas utilities, CNG stations, LPG and LNG operators, refineries and lubricant marketers. These entities must provide and prominently display digital payment options at all customer-facing locations.
As part of the mandate, the deployment of the State Bank of Pakistan’s Raast QR code is mandatory, allowing for a secure, cost-free and standardized digital payment experience.
“This initiative will not only facilitate consumers but also strengthen Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem,” said OGRA spokesperson Imran Ghaznavi.
The authority has made clear that outlets would not be allowed to refuse customers who choose to pay via digital channels, underscoring the government’s broader goals of financial inclusion, operational efficiency and transparency in the energy sector.
To ensure timely compliance, OGRA has advised businesses to coordinate with commercial banks, microfinance institutions or electronic money institutions to obtain Raast QR codes free of cost.
The initiative aligns with the State Bank’s digitization agenda and the federal government’s broader vision for a technology-driven financial infrastructure.