SAN JOSE ?" Chevron and Safeway announced a partnership yesterday that will offer Northern California consumers discounts on gasoline, Mercury News reports.

The fuel rewards program will be available at more than 650 Chevron stations in Northern California, with an aim at increasing sales and customer loyalty at both Chevron and Safeway.

"For a lot of customers, gas is another form of currency," said NACS spokesperson Jeff Lenard. "There's an emotional cachet tied to gas. They'll step over a quarter at the gas station but drive five miles to save a nickel."

Safeway shoppers can begin earning gas discounts ?" up to 20 cents per gallon ?" by shopping with their Club Card.

"The rollback happens at the pump, right there in front of their face," said Mike Vomund, Chevron's general manager for retail west operations.

Pleasanton-based Safeway has a reward program at Chevron stations in Southern California and Las Vegas, and partnered with Exxon Mobile in Chicago and cities on the East Coast.

"We're just trying to make a good deal," said Keith Turner, director of public and government affairs for Safeway's Northern California division. "Loyalty is everything these days."