Fuel cards soon required at AAFES and ESSO stations Published June 20, 2008 By Senior Airman LaRhesa Morgan 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Changes will gradually be made throughout Germany as all U.S. Forces begin switching from fuel coupons to an automated fuel ration card. For people who have already registered their vehicles, the change will take effect starting in July and by the end of November 2008, all Army and Air Force Exchange Service fuel customers will be required to use the cards to purchase fuel. Those renewing or applying for a new vehicle registration can now take their registration to their appropriate AAFES gas station on base and receive a fuel ration card, while others will receive the cards by mail. The cards will also come with instructions. Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, vehicle owners can expect to receive their cards via their military post boxes July 28 through August 24, according to Installation Management Command Europe. Under the Status of Forces Agreement, most personally owned vehicles are authorized 400 liters per month at U.S. prices. To keep track of the rationed fuel, military drivers use a vehicle registration certificate, AE Form 190-1A, and the remaining ration balance is indicated by the numbers that have not been crossed out. Under the new fuel card system, the remaining balance will be printed on the receipt. All users must still bring in their registration along with fuel card to pay for fuel purchases, but the registration is only to verify the card and vehicle owner. Users will be able to deposit money on the card as if it was a debit card. Payments can be made at AAFES cashiers, through bank allotment, via telephone, and online. Fuel ration cards may only be used for purchasing fuel. Aral gas stations will still accept coupons. AAFES and ESSO stations will only accept fuel cards, with the exception of two ESSO stations near Bonn, Germany: Romerstrasse 235, 50321 Bruhl and Ringener Strasse, 53474 Bad Neuenahr. For more information, visit: http://www.imcom-europe.army.mil/sites/news/fuelcard.asp.