Jewel-Osco Pulls Out of Shell's Fuel Rewards Network

ITASCA, Ill. -- Jewel-Osco is ending its participation in Shell Oil Co.'s Fuel Rewards Network (FRN) program on June 25. However, customers will be able to redeem their rewards through July.

The Itasca, Ill.-based grocer began notifying customers of the change last week on its website.

"We are working hard to create a great shopping experience and our first priority is always the customer. It's because of you that we exist, open our doors every day and have great jobs for thousands of people," the company wrote in a statement directed to its customers."Our priority right now is simple: to lower prices at Jewel-Osco. To do that, we have to make changes. We know it may seem like we're taking away something that you've come to enjoy and has given you a reason to shop with us, but in the long run, we want you to know that we think you'll see it's worth it."

The retailer explained the decision will be a cost-saving move on the part of its customers.

"Here's the inside track on our decision: We want to save you money on the groceries that you buy the most, and investing in the Fuel Rewards program would not help lower your grocery bill," the company said.

The FRN program, owned and operated by Excentus, is available in nearly 200 cities throughout the United States and allows consumers to combine multiple rewards offers -- or cents-per-gallon rewards -- together for savings on Shell fuels. Shell launched the program in June 2012.

In April, FRN reported that customers at Shell gas stations have saved more than $68 million to date, less than one year after its launch.

Jewel-Osco operates more than 170 grocery stores in Illinois, Iowa and northwest Indiana.