NAPLES, Italy — U.S. servicemembers and government civilians stationed in Europe outside Italy, but traveling to Italy on authorized leave, no longer can buy gas coupons for their travel.

A routine review of policies and instructions – and changes to Italian tax codes in recent years – prompted U.S. officials to suspend a 14-year program that allowed non-Italy-based troops and civilians to buy up to 200 liters of gas or diesel “G” (government) coupons and six liters of oil per leave period, said Bart Di Muccio, administrator of the tax-free program.

Officials asked the Italian government whether the policy violates Italian tax code – and while they awaited a response, opted to suspend the program at the end of February, Di Muccio said. The Italian government has not notified U.S. officials as to when they will respond.

The program change does not affect servicemembers or government civilians traveling to Italy on official business, Di Muccio said. Less than one percent of “G” coupon sales were to members traveling into Italy for pleasure, he said.