The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced new steps to encourage cashless payments at petrol pumps across the country.
Under the new policy, all fuel stations will be required to enable Raast QR code payments by January 31, 2027, making digital transactions more accessible nationwide.
To reduce the cost of card payments, the SBP has also revised merchant charges. The Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) has been capped at Rs. 1 per litre, while the interchange fee will not exceed 20 paisa per litre. These reduced charges will apply to all Pakistani bank cards until January 31, 2027.
Banks, microfinance institutions, and digital wallet providers have been instructed to work with petrol pump owners to ensure the Raast QR payment system is fully operational before the deadline.
The move is expected to expand digital payment facilities to more than 15,000 petrol pumps, including those in smaller cities and remote areas, where card payment services have previously been limited.
Fuel dealers have welcomed the decision, saying lower transaction costs will make it easier for them to accept digital payments.
Read also: Good News for Consumers as Govt Slashes Petrol and Diesel Prices
