Inquiries About Nationwide Usability Continue
Directly Operated Stations Not Allowed... Some Local Governments Prohibit All Use
Check Your Local Affiliate Policy Before Fueling
There is growing interest in whether the "Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon," which the government began distributing on July 21, can be used at gas stations.
The content is not directly related. Photo shows a gas station in Seoul city on the 20th. Photo by Yonhap News
The primary purpose of the consumption coupon is to help small business owners and self-employed individuals recover their sales and to revitalize the local economy. Accordingly, certain requirements apply to where the coupon can be used. For gas stations, the coupon cannot be used at "directly operated gas stations" run by large franchise headquarters. Locations marked as "directly operated" on their signs or confirmed to be owned by the headquarters are not eligible.
In principle, gas stations where the consumption coupon can be used must be small businesses with annual sales of 3 billion won or less and must be registered as affiliates for the Local Love Gift Certificate. Typically, gas stations operated by individuals, such as those labeled "XX Store Operated" or "XX Gas Station," fall into this category.
However, some local governments restrict the use of the coupon at gas stations according to their own policies, so consumers must check the affiliate policy of their residential area.
To find gas stations where the consumption coupon can be used, consumers can search the "gas station" category on each credit card company's website or application, or on the Local Love Gift Certificate app. Eligible affiliates are displayed on a map, allowing users to check their locations.
At the site, consumers can also confirm eligibility by directly asking an employee before fueling or by looking for a "Consumption Coupon Accepted" sticker attached near the fuel dispenser.
On online communities and social networking services (SNS), posts such as "Can I use the consumption coupon at a gas station?", "Are there any gas stations in my neighborhood that accept the coupon?", and "Has anyone used the coupon to buy fuel?" are being shared.
Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the total number of applicants for the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon surpassed 28.9 million as of July 25. By midnight on the fourth day of the first application round, 57.1% of all eligible recipients (50,607,067 people) had completed their applications, and the total amount distributed reached 5.2186 trillion won.
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