Lisbon, May 21, 2026 (Lusa) – The Bank of Portugal is developing a National Payment Resilience Plan in collaboration with sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and retail, following the major power outage on 28 April 2025.
“The blackout highlighted the need for integrated and cooperative action to strengthen the security and reliability of payment systems and solutions in Portugal and ensure an effective response to incidents,” the bank said in its 2025 Payment Systems Report, published on Thursday.
The aim is to draw up, within the framework of the Forum for Payment Systems, a National Plan for Payment Resilience.
The forum approved the drafting of this plan at its plenary meeting on 20 November 2025.
This plan is being drawn up in conjunction with entities representing supply and demand for goods and services, as well as entities belonging to crucial sectors of activity, such as energy, telecommunications and retail, the bank said.
Regarding payment activity on the day of the blackout, the bank noted a 36% drop in the number and value of purchases made at terminals in Portugal compared with the averages of the previous two weeks.
Following a significant reduction in transactions from 11.30 a.m., when the blackout began, the catering sector was the hardest hit, recording a 60% decline in volume and an 80% decline in value.
Despite changes in the hourly pattern, the average transaction value on that day remained at €33.
Cash withdrawals from ATMs fell by 34% in volume and 24% in value, with the average amount per withdrawal rising to €90, above the €78 average recorded over the previous two weeks.
Between 1 and 2 p.m., withdrawals increased, with the bank attributing this to greater demand for cash, whilst some ATMs remained operational, powered by batteries or generators.
On 28 April 2025, the Iberian Peninsula suffered a power cut that left thousands of people in the dark for several hours, without access to transport, communications and basic services.
In Portugal, the blackout began at 11.33 a.m.
JO/MYAL // ADB.
Lusa
