Kroger Expands Fuel Discount Program

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- The Kroger Co. is expanding its fuel discount program by more than tripling the number of locations where shoppers can receive an up to $1-per-gallon discount when they fill up their tanks, the company reported.

Previously, the maximum discount was 10 cents in most markets. The grocery chain introduced the maximum increase to new markets such as Phoenix and Atlanta in time for Memorial Day weekend, according to company officials.

"Especially with gas prices taking a bigger chunk out of household budgets, our customers appreciate being able to save where they can," Kroger President Rodney McMullen said in a statement.

Kroger shoppers who use the company's loyalty card when they shop accrue 10 cents off each gallon for every $100 spent in the store. The total discount can then be applied to a single gas fill-up.

All Ohio Kroger stores are expected to have the greater discount cap by mid-June, stated Keith Dailey, corporate communications director. The chain will eventually offer the higher rewards to approximately 75 percent of its 1,031 gas stations, a steep increase from the 20 percent that were eligible in 2010.

Dailey added that local regulations, lack of store gas stations and other factors excluded Kroger-owned stores in California, Oregon, Washington, Alabama, Louisiana and Missouri.