CINCINNATI - The Kroger Co. has more than tripled its fuel discount program by increasing the number of locations shoppers can use their loyalty card to receive cents-off per gallon discounts, the Associated Press reports.

The program has increased sales at stores, especially as consumers look for ways to slash gasoline spending. Shoppers with loyalty-cards can receive up to 10 cents off a gallon for each $100 spent in the stores.

"Especially with gas prices taking a bigger chunk out of household budgets, our customers appreciate being able to save where they can," said Kroger president Rodney McMullen in a statement.

Other retailers have jumped on the gasoline discount bandwagon. CVS recently started giving loyalty card members a $10 gasoline card for each $30 spent on particular products from now until Aug. 28. Safeway also gives a dime discount on fuel for grocery purchases.

Some Kroger shoppers in certain markets will receive a bigger discount, as high as 30 cents off per gallon for every $300 grocery purchase, because of competition from other gasoline rewards programs in the those markets. Local regulations, lack of fueling stations and other factors prohibit the grocer from offering the discount program in Alabama, California, Louisiana, Missouri, Oregon and Washington.