State Bank of Pakistan has extended its concessionary pricing framework for digital transactions at petrol pumps until January 31, 2027, reducing payment costs for fuel stations and supporting the wider rollout of Raast QR payments.
Under the revised arrangement, the Merchant Discount Rate for card-present transactions involving fuel and related products will remain capped at Rs1 per litre. The Interchange Reimbursement Fee has been fixed at Rs0.20 per litre.
The concession applies to all payment cards issued in Pakistan and takes effect immediately.
Petrol pump operators have traditionally relied heavily on cash payments, partly because transaction charges reduced their margins and discouraged wider installation of card machines. The latest extension gives fuel stations more time to adopt digital payment systems at a lower cost.
Alongside the pricing relief, SBP has directed banks, microfinance banks, electronic money institutions, payment system operators and payment service providers to coordinate with petrol pump operators.
These regulated entities have been asked to ensure that Raast QR payment facilities are installed, activated and working properly for customers purchasing fuel and related products.
The interoperable QR system could make digital payments more accessible by allowing customers to scan a code and pay through supported banking or payment applications, where the service is available.
Key Pricing Details
- Merchant Discount Rate: Capped at Rs1 per litre
- Interchange Reimbursement Fee: Rs0.20 per litre
- Effective date: Immediately
- Expiry date: January 31, 2027
- Coverage: Cards issued in Pakistan
- Transactions covered: Fuel and related products at petrol pumps
For motorists, the measure could lead to more payment options at fuel stations and reduce dependence on cash. However, the availability of Raast QR will depend on how quickly banks, payment providers and petrol pump operators complete the rollout.
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SBP said the pricing framework will remain in place until January 31, 2027. It will then review market feedback, adoption levels and the effectiveness of the concession before deciding what steps should follow.
