As Americans continue to deal with elevated grocery and gasoline costs, grocery chains are increasingly rolling out aggressive discounts and rewards programs to win over customers and keep shoppers from switching to competitors.One regional supermarket is now offering its largest fuel discount ever, giving customers the opportunity to save more at the pump during the busy summer travel season.Save Mart introduces its largest fuel discountSave Mart has launched a limited-time promotion that allows Rewards Members to redeem up to $1 off per gallon at participating Shell stations, the largest fuel discount the grocery chain has ever offered. The promotion is available through Sept. 15, 2026.According to the company, Rewards Members earn one point for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases made in-store or online. Every 100 points can be redeemed for 10¢ off per gallon at participating Shell locations.For a limited time, members can redeem up to 1,000 points for $1 off per gallon, compared with the program’s standard redemption limit of 100 points per fill-up. Fuel discounts apply to purchases of up to 20 gallons per transaction.Customers can redeem their savings by entering the phone number associated with their Save Mart Rewards account at participating Shell stations.What to know about Save Mart’s fuel discountThe promotion is available exclusively to Save Mart Rewards members, and enrollment in the program is free.Reward points expire on the last day of the third calendar month after they are earned. Members can track their available points and upcoming expirations through the Rewards section of the Save Mart app or website.Customers can also maximize their savings by linking their Save Mart Rewards account with Shell’s Fuel Rewards program. Eligible discounts can be stacked at participating Shell stations, with combined savings applying to up to 20 gallons per transaction. New Fuel Rewards members receive an instant 5-cent-per-gallon discount, while existing Platinum members receive up to 10 cents per gallon automatically.Fuel Rewards is Shell’s loyalty program, allowing members to earn savings through dining, online shopping, rental cars, in-store purchases, tier status, and other partner offers.
Save Mart launches its largest fuel discount.David Paul Morris/Getty Images
Why Save Mart is offering a major fuel discountThe promotion comes as grocery retailers ramp up discounts and loyalty incentives to attract budget-conscious shoppers facing persistently high living costs. Rising grocery bills and elevated fuel prices have made consumers increasingly selective about where they shop and fill up their tanks.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for food at home increased 2.7% during the 12 months ending June 2026, while gasoline prices rose 26.7% over the same period.Gas prices have climbed to near-record levels in 2026, driven largely by geopolitical instability in the Middle East, a region that plays a critical role in global oil production and transportation. Ongoing conflict involving Iran and broader regional tensions have disrupted key maritime routes that carry a significant share of the world’s oil supply.Here’s some of my previous coverage of retail strategy:Sam’s Club takes on Costco with a new weight-loss programSpam maker exits entire market98-year-old grocery chain closing stores in key marketsFuel prices remain the primary factor influencing where consumers choose to fill up. According to a 2025 NACS Consumer Fuels Survey, 72% of drivers said gas prices are the most important reason they choose a fueling station, compared with 16% who prioritize location and 12% who cite brand.The same survey also found that 69% of drivers are willing to drive an extra five minutes to save just 5 cents per gallon.”Because of consumer price sensitivity, when wholesale prices are rising, retailers may hold back the full price increase,” said NACS Vice President Media & Strategic Communications Jeff Lenard.”In this scenario, the first retailer to fully adjust prices higher could lose customers to the competition, so most retailers will opt to cut margin and absorb some of the price increase.”More grocery chains offering fuel discountsSave Mart’s promotion reflects a broader strategy across the grocery industry, where retailers increasingly use fuel rewards to build customer loyalty, encourage repeat visits, and help shoppers offset one of their largest recurring expenses.Other grocery chains offering fuel rewards include:Walmart:Walmart+ members save 10 cents per gallon at participating Walmart, Exxon, Mobil, and Murphy stations.The Kroger Co.:Points members earn one point for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases in-store or online. Every 100 points can be redeemed for 10 cents off per gallon, with savings up to $1 per gallon and up to $35 per fill-up at participating Kroger fuel centers.Albertsons Companies:For U members earn one point per $1 spent on qualifying purchases in-store or online. Points can be redeemed for up to $1 per gallon on up to 25 gallons at participating Chevron, Texaco, and Albertsons-affiliated gas stations.Stop & Shop:GO Rewards members earn one point per $1 spent on qualifying purchases in-store or online. Every 100 points can be redeemed for 10 cents off per gallon, with discounts of up to $1.50 per gallon at participating Shell or Stop & Shop fuel stations.Related: Major grocery chain resumes store closures in 2026