Gas works damage causes network outage for Worldline in Italy

Payment services in Italy have largely returned to normal following significant disruptions caused by gas pipeline installations damaging network cables. French payments firm Worldline confirmed that restoration efforts, including repairs by its provider, have been effective since Friday afternoon.

The outage began on Thursday morning, during the busy Black Friday shopping period, affecting both Italian and international markets. Italian business group Fipe-Confcommercio voiced serious concerns over the disruption’s timing and impact.

Worldline revealed that local gas pipeline works had severely compromised its network connection to data centres. The company apologised for the inconvenience and promised heightened vigilance in the coming days to prevent further issues.

The Bank of Italy also monitored the situation, noting that some services remain affected. Italian payment firm Nexi expressed dissatisfaction with the response, announcing its own investigation and warning of possible further action.