The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has directed all licensed entities in the oil and gas sector to shift towards digital payment systems by October 31, 2025. The decision is part of the federal government’s broader push for a cashless economy, with the aim of enhancing financial inclusion, transparency, and operational efficiency across Pakistan’s energy landscape.
In its latest directive, Ogra instructed oil marketing companies, gas utilities, refineries, lubricant marketers, CNG stations, and LPG and LNG operators to ensure the adoption of digital payment solutions at all outlets nationwide. The authority emphasized the mandatory use of the State Bank of Pakistan’s Raast QR code, requiring businesses to prominently display QR codes and accept payments digitally.
Ogra clarified that while customers will retain the option to pay in cash, no outlet will be permitted to refuse payments made through digital platforms. The deadline for full compliance has been set for October 31, 2025. The regulator highlighted that the initiative directly supports the State Bank’s digitization program and reflects the government’s policy to transition away from cash-based transactions.
Officials stated that companies are required to coordinate with banks, microfinance institutions, or electronic money issuers to acquire Raast QR codes, which are available free of cost. The authority noted that this move will not only provide greater convenience to consumers but will also strengthen Pakistan’s digital financial ecosystem by expanding the acceptance of cashless transactions at one of the country’s most widely used points of service: fuel outlets.
The order applies to the entire energy sector value chain, covering upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. This includes marketing, refining, storage, transportation, transmission, and distribution of petroleum products and natural gas. From petrol pumps and CNG stations to LPG dealers and LNG terminals, every segment of the industry will now be required to ensure digital payment facilities are available.
Industry insiders revealed that the decision had been under review for several months and was finalized under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister’s office. The government is presenting the initiative as part of its “war on cash,” a policy framework aimed at formalizing the economy, increasing tax collection, and reducing reliance on undocumented transactions.
The practical rollout means that petrol pumps across Pakistan — from Karachi to Khyber and from Azad Kashmir to Chaman — will be legally bound to provide customers with QR code-based payments, debit and credit card options, and mobile wallet facilities, alongside traditional cash payments. Unlike point-of-sale (POS) machines, which require hardware investment and maintenance, QR code-based systems are considered low-cost, scalable, and accessible even for smaller operators.
Authorities have pointed to the examples of countries such as India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, where similar initiatives have helped accelerate digital adoption in payments, contributing to both financial inclusion and greater economic documentation.
At the same time, the government is moving forward with complementary legislation aimed at digitally tracking petroleum products from import and production stages to retail sales. This initiative is designed to curb smuggling, adulteration, and tax evasion, which together are estimated to cause annual revenue losses of Rs300–500 billion, in addition to damaging vehicle engines and contributing to environmental pollution.
Ogra’s directive signals a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda. By enforcing cashless payments in the oil and gas sector, one of the country’s most critical and high-volume industries, the regulator hopes to set an example for other sectors to follow. With nationwide implementation and the deadline just over a year away, the transition could reshape consumer behavior while bringing Pakistan closer to its vision of a digitally connected and cashless economy.
