Bi-Lo yesterday launched a promotion at its Chattanooga-area stores to help members of its loyalty program reduce the burden of increasing gas prices by turning grocery purchases into free gas.

"Our new Free Gas Program is a great addition to our ongoing efforts to help our customers by providing quality products at value prices," said Bi-Lo's e.v.p. Tye Anthony.  "Now, shoppers get a double benefit when they come to Bi-Lo - they can take advantage of our everyday low pricing and weekly specials, and then convert their purchases into free gas."

Here's how the program works: Shoppers earn gas tokens when they make purchases using their Bi-Lo Bonus Card. Eight tokens can be redeemed at the customer service center of participating Bi-Lo stores for a $25 gift card BP or Shell fuel.

Bi-Lo said shoppers can earn tokens in six different ways, including some multiple-token options:
- Spend $50 or more in a single visit
- Buy $50 or more in eligible gift cards from the Bi-Lo Gift Card center
- Buy three 8-packs (12-ounce plastic bottles) of Coke products
- Buy two pounds or more of any freshly sliced meat or cheese items from the deli counter
- Transfer and fill a prescription at the Bi-Lo pharmacy (worth five tokens)
- Buy any of the specially marked Free Gas items, with different items featured each week
 
"A strategic shopper can definitely earn $25 worth of gas in a single visit," said Anthony. "For instance, if you know you will be making purchases at Home Depot or another retailer with gift cards at Bi-Lo, purchase a gift card to earn a token. Combine that with purchasing specially-marked Free Gas items and you are well on your way to free gas."

All 31 Chattanooga Bi-Lo stores are participating in the Free Gas program, which ends July 29.

"We hear every day from people about how they are stretched, and how they feel frustrated over the rising gas costs," said Anthony. "Our new Free Gas program puts some power back into the hands of the consumer." 
 
Mauldin, S.C.-based Bi-Lo operates 220 supermarkets in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee and employs approximately 16,200 people.