Some stations refuse gas coupons

[unhappycamper]

Some stations refuse gas coupons
By Lisa M. Novak, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Saturday, May 31, 2008

NAPLES, Italy — With fuel prices nearing $9 a gallon at Italian service stations, tax-free gas coupons are a lifeline for those stationed here.

But when Shawna Stevenson went to put gas in her car a few weeks ago, she was told by the station attendant she couldn’t use her tax-free fuel coupons.

It’s a good thing she asked first. She had planned to purchase 40 liters, which would have cost her about 60 euros — close to $100. With the coupons, the cost would have been about $45.

Tax-free fuel coupons are supposed to be accepted at all Esso and Agip stations in Italy — the only two contracted to participate in the tax-free program.

"I asked if they took the coupons before I got the gas. When they said ‘no’, I just left and filled up at another station that did take them," Stevenson said. She raised the issue at Wednesday night’s town hall meeting on the support site in Gricignano.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=55217