Esso Gas Cards

A few years ago the rules changed in Europe.  If you are stationed in The Netherlands you are no longer authorized to buy fuel (gasoline or diesel) at an Aafes gas station in Germany.  Believe it or not authorized foreign nationals can shop at your PX and commissary but you are not allowed to purchase fuel there. You have three options.

1. Purchase fuel on the economy. 
2. Carry extra fuel with you in an authorized fuel container.
3. Obtain an Aafes ESSO fuel card for Germany.

Buying fuel on the economy: The Netherlands fuel prices are significantly higher than prices in Belgium and Germany so time your purchases accordingly. Buy any needed fuel outside of The Netherlands to save some money. If you must buy fuel on the economy to get home try to buy just enough to get home.  Make sure you know your vehicle's fuel mileage, how far you need to go, and the conversion factor for gallons to liters.  There are 3.7854 liters to the gallon.  If your car gets 30 mpg on the highway that would be 7.93 miles to the liter. (30 divided by 3.7854 = 7.925).  Need to go 150 miles yet?  That will take about 19 liters of fuel. (150 divided by 7.93 = 18.91)  Of course this will be different for every car and your driving habits/conditions.

Carry extra fuel: Many folks here want to drive down to the big PX complex at Ramstein on a Saturday.  I did this in 2009 and was then shocked to find out I was not allowed to buy gas to drive back home.  That turned out to be an expensive mistake.  So I bought a five gallon gas container, which extends my driving range another 175 miles.  A few days ago the woman (US ID card holder) who watches my cat told me she and some friends were going to Ramstein.  I suggested that she borrow my five gallon gas container so they would have enough gas to return home.  Even driving her gas-sucking van they were able to make it down and back.  If you go this route, buy a high quality fuel container to make sure you have no leaks in your car.  I also put the fuel can inside a heavy duty garbage bag and seal that.  I have done this many times and never had a leak or even smell the gas.  NOTE: Always place the fuel container on the ground and maintain contact between the fuel nozzle of the pump and the container to decrease chances of static electricty build up.  Never fill the container while it is in your trunk or the back of your vehicle.

Obtain an ESSO Card: If you travel to Germany TDY or on Pass/Leave, you are authorized to obtain an ESSO gas card. This is no simple process but it will save you money.  You will need a copy of your TDY Orders (DA Form 1610 for Soldiers) or your Pass/Leave Form (DA Form 31 for Soldiers).  Take this document, your vehicle registration, ID card, and military driver's license to the MP station at your destination.  Hopefully you had enough gas to get there.  The last time we went to Garmisch I took a five gallon fuel container and refueled on the way during our lunch break. The MPs will complete a fuel authorization form.  You will only be authorized 100 liters per week or partial week so if you are going to Garmisch I highly suggest you sign out on at least eight days of leave so you can get 200 liters.  100 liters barely allows you to see the sights and then drive home.  Keep in mind, you can always sign in early from leave and save those days.  But you need at least eight days on your leave form to get 200 liters of fuel.  Once you get the fuel autorization form you take that to the PX Customer Service desk and request an ESSO card.  They will ask for a four digit PIN.  Pick a number you absolutely will not forget.  This is really important if you get fuel at a German ESSO station.  If you forget your PIN you will have to pay Euros at the local price; very expensive.  At the ESSO station you pump your furl first and then present your card to the clerk.  I highly recommend that you go in first and ask if they take the card and if the network is working.  Just ask, "Nehmen Sie hier diese Esso-Karte?" Hopefully you will hear, "Ja".  Keep track of how much fuel you have used.  After you pump just go in an hand the clerk your card.  They will insert it into a card reader and then ask you for your PIN.  Enter your PIN.  They will then print out a receipt, which will show how much money you used.

 

Back in the "Good old Days" there were Aafes Shoppettes and gas stations on the Autobahn.  Things sure have changed.  But with proper planning you can still get around Germany without being held hostage by their restrictions and unfriendly behavior.