AAFES seeks out lowest gas prices for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Allison M. Boehm
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Gasoline prices have consistently risen everyday for the past month and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service at Barksdale, home of Air Force Global Strike Command, wants drivers to know the procedures in place to determine pump prices on base as well as the benefits available to authorized patrons.

"We regularly survey five locations in the immediate area and set our prices to the lowest price surveyed for each grade," said Gilbert Mata, AAFES general manager at Barksdale. "We are competitive with local prices and want to bring the lowest price possible to the men and women at Barksdale."

Although the overall gas prices are beyond AAFES control, servicemembers and their dependents have the opportunity to save a few cents at the pump by using the Military Star Card.

"The Military Star Card can help reduce the price of gasoline," said Mr. Mata. "There are several promotions throughout the year with savings up to 20 cents off a gallon, but for everyday use, the Military Star Card saves five cents a gallon."

AAFES is able to do such promotions because the Military Star Card is administered by the Exchange Credit Program. Their gas stations are not subject to the additional fees incurred through other 'pay at the pump' options and as a result, savings are able to be passed down to Barksdale patrons.

"We always want to encourage patrons to shop AAFES," said Mr. Mata. "All of the earnings are returned right back to the military, whether it goes to services or recreations, the money goes right back into the base."