By SKM
August 28, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has directed all licensed entities under its jurisdiction to adopt digital payment solutions by October 31, 2025, in alignment with the government’s vision for a cashless economy.
Under the new directive, OGRA-regulated businesses — including oil marketing companies, gas utilities, CNG stations, LPG and LNG operators, refineries, and lubricant marketers — must offer and prominently display digital payment options at all customer touchpoints. This includes mandatory deployment of the State Bank of Pakistan’s Raast QR code.
OGRA has made it clear that no outlet will be permitted to refuse customers opting to pay via digital channels.
“This initiative will not only facilitate consumers but also strengthen Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem,” said OGRA spokesperson Imran Ghaznavi.
The move is part of a broader push to support the State Bank’s digitization agenda, aimed at enhancing financial inclusion, operational efficiency, and transparency across Pakistan’s energy sector.
To ensure timely compliance, businesses have been advised to coordinate with commercial banks, microfinance institutions, or electronic money institutions to obtain Raast QR codes free of cost. Ends
