A nationwide crisis could put everyday purchases to the test, and Lithuania is working out how people would pay when networks fail.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius urged commercial banks to ensure payment systems remain operational in the event of a nationwide mobilization. This would allow people to pay for essential goods, including medicine and fuel, even if shops lose their connection to banks, the government press service said.
This is reported by LRT.
At a meeting with representatives of the Lithuanian Banking Association and the Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania, Gediminas Šimkus, the prime minister also raised the issue of access to cash during crises. Current mobilization plans provide for a guaranteed electricity supply and the regular replenishment of designated ATMs.
Eivile Čipkutė, president of the Lithuanian Banking Association, said banks were prepared for emergencies, including possible internet and power outages. According to her, large banks have agreements with the Bank of Lithuania and have adapted their systems to operate offline. Cards also allow payments to be made without an internet connection.
Paying by card during communications outages
In June, the Lithuanian Seimas adopted amendments to the Law on Payments. They allow people to pay for essential food, hygiene products, medicine and fuel during communications outages.
These transactions require specially configured payment terminals, and card spending will be subject to limits. There is no need to replace cards: banks will set limits on the cards customers already use.
Lithuanian PM urges banks to ensure payment systems operate in the event of mobilization