In a landmark move to accelerate Pakistan’s transition toward a cashless economy, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has issued binding directives for the adoption of digital payment solutions across the entire oil and gas value chain. Announced on Thursday, the directive requires all licensed entities in the sector to fully enable digital transactions at their outlets by October 31, 2025.
The order applies broadly to oil marketing companies, gas utilities, CNG stations, LPG and LNG operators, refineries, and lubricant marketers. Each outlet will be required to introduce and clearly display digital payment options, particularly the State Bank of Pakistan’s Raast QR code system. Ogra made it clear that no business in the sector will be permitted to refuse customers choosing to pay digitally, though consumers will retain the option to settle bills in cash if preferred.
“This initiative will facilitate consumers and strengthen Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem,” Ogra said, framing the move as part of the government’s broader push for financial inclusion, transparency, and operational efficiency. The regulator has urged companies to coordinate with banks, microfinance institutions, and electronic money providers to acquire free-of-cost Raast QR codes to ensure smooth and timely rollout.
The directive extends to all levels of the energy supply chain, covering marketing, refining, transportation, storage, transmission, and distribution of petroleum products and natural gas, including CNG, LPG, and LNG. Petrol pumps across the country, from Karachi to Khyber and Azad Kashmir to Chaman, will now be required to provide QR code-based transactions, debit and credit card payments, and mobile wallet options, alongside conventional cash acceptance.
Officials revealed that the decision had been under active discussion even before the FY26 budget and was supervised directly by the Prime Minister. It is part of the government’s so-called “war on cash,” which aims to discourage undocumented transactions, improve traceability of payments, and expand the tax net.
Ogra has also pointed out that digital payment methods such as QR codes provide a cost-effective alternative to point-of-sale (POS) terminals, which often require substantial investment in machines and recurring maintenance. The regulator highlighted lessons from neighboring countries such as India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, where similar measures have resulted in significant adoption of cashless payments, leading to enhanced convenience for consumers and better compliance within regulated industries.
The directive comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s continued struggle with businesses resisting digitisation. Despite longstanding legal obligations, thousands of retailers, including some operating near the Federal Board of Revenue headquarters in Islamabad, still issue handwritten paper invoices and deny consumers digital payment options. Authorities believe the oil and gas sector’s digitisation drive could serve as a precedent for broader enforcement across other industries.
In a related development, the government is preparing new legislation that will digitally track the movement of petroleum products from the point of import and production to retail sales. The initiative is designed to combat smuggling and adulteration, which authorities estimate cause annual revenue losses ranging between Rs300 billion and Rs500 billion while also damaging vehicles and contributing to environmental pollution.
By mandating digital payments and pursuing digital tracking, the government is aiming to modernize Pakistan’s energy sector while simultaneously addressing financial leakages, tax evasion, and consumer protection issues. If implemented successfully, the October 31 deadline could mark a decisive shift in how transactions are conducted in one of the country’s most critical industries.