Due to the Status of Forces Agreement (or SOFA), there isn't a gas station on base. Apparently, Italy wants us to help their economy as much as possible, so we have to buy gas on the economy, which is now about 1.57 Euro per litre ($9.44 / gal). Luckily, we're allowed up to 300 litres per month in NATO gas coupons. These are sold at the B/X, and can be used at certain gas stations all around Italy. When I first arrived, the coupon books were $101 for 100 litres (up from $65 a year ago); but now the price has skyrocketed to $127. So, even with our gas coupons, we're still paying $4.81 / gal.
Actually getting gas can be rather tricky, too. There are two gas station chains where we can use our coupons. There are plenty of locations all over Italy, but the only ones open late are located along the autostrada (similar to US interstate highways). The local ones are open in the morning until 12:30 PM, and then again from 2:30 PM until 7. And only a few random locations are open on weekends.
I'm used to being in the States where there are plenty of 24-hour gas stations (or at least the kind where you can use your credit card 24/7). Few things make me more anxious than driving late at night in the middle of nowhere when my little fuel light comes on. It's made me watch my gas gauge very closely.
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