Fuel stations are reporting nationwide outages at self-service pumps. 

Allied Petroleum, Gull, Z, Waitomo and other fuel stops around New Zealand have reported problems with card payments on Thursday because of a software glitch they say is likely caused by their systems not being programmed to deal with the date February 29. 

Gull spokesperson Julien Leys says all fuel brands’ card payment terminals are impacted by the leap year glitch. 

He says the provider in question is Invenco payment solutions - which from his understanding specialises in fuel payments. 

Waitomo Group Owner Jimmy Ormsby says if a fuel brand has an in-house solution like their app, then this is an alternative form of payment. 

Leys said it was a nationwide payments issue that had first been spotted earlier this morning. 

“We have been liaising with our provider and understand they are working as quickly as possible to fix the issue.” 

He said February 29 was “just one of those things that caused the payment software to have a glitch”. 

The self-service pumps were not working at Allied Pōrangahau on Thursday morning. Photo / Michaela Gower 

“We are really reliant on the payment supplier, but we are hoping they can get it fixed as quickly as possible. 

“It’s across the board, but it seems to be mainly affecting outdoor payment terminals, but it’s too early to say, we think it is affecting all payment terminals. 

“It’s a tough day for motorists who are trying to fill up at the pump today.” 

Waitomo Group Manager Greta Shirley said Waitomo’s understanding was that a fix was on the way, with testing potentially around lunchtime, “but we haven’t been told that officially by the payment third party”. 

”This is not affecting app payments or where stores have an indoor payment terminal. 

”A lot has been directed at Worldline, and it is not a Worldline issue - it’s the outdoor payment, so that’s why a lot of the unmanned sites are being impacted.“ 

“I just want people to know if they need fuel they can use the app.” 

At Allied in Pōrangahau, the station owner said he had been in contact with head office about the problem, and had been told it was because of the leap year date. 

“It’s a pain for everyone. They rolled out a new [system] last year, but they obviously weren’t programmed for the leap year.” 

Gull and Allied said on social media they were aware of a nationwide technical error across all fuel brands that had put their fuel stop network offline on Thursday. 

“Our team are busy working with our suppliers to fix the issue, we will provide further updates as soon as we can,” Allied wrote. 

Gull said: “An industry-wide fault is causing some Gull payment terminals not to work. We’re working hard to fix this as quickly as possible. 

“We understand the frustration our customers are feeling and will have a Discount Day next week to make up for the inconvenience.” 

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