Card payment charges has been reduced by the State Bank of Pakistan at fuel stations.
The Merchant Discount Rate has been capped at one rupee per litre. The revised rate applies to fuel purchases made through bank cards.
The central bank issued formal instructions to all banks. The new fee structure must be implemented immediately.
Petroleum Dealers Welcome Major Relief
The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association welcomed the decision. It described the measure as significant financial relief for fuel retailers.
Dealers previously paid an MDR of 0.8 percent on petrol sales. At current fuel prices, the charge was nearly three rupees per litre.
The new cap will reduce operating costs. It will also make card payments more affordable for petrol station owners.
Digital Fuel Payments Expected to Grow
Industry experts believe the decision could increase digital payments across Pakistan’s fuel retail sector.
Cash transactions currently dominate petrol stations. Dealers said high processing charges previously discouraged card payments.
The SBP move supports wider payment modernization while protecting dealers facing narrow margins, rising expenses and changing fuel prices.
