FREMONT — As the more than month-long federal government shutdown continues, a gas station in Fremont is offering affected federal employees who live in the city free fuel.

Ray Olyaie owns the Valero station at 4004 Mowry Ave., and said he started the offer Wednesday because he wants to help people who might be struggling without a paycheck.

“Just started a couple of hours ago and we’re going to continue it until we run out of budget,” he said. He’s planning to give away $20,000 worth of gas.

Olyaie said he saw a news report recently about a federal employee on the east coast who couldn’t afford to pay for gas to get to work after not receiving her paycheck, and he’s hoping to help others like her in Fremont.

Any federal employees affected by the shutdown who live in Fremont just need to bring a proof of employment and residency to take advantage of the offer, he said.

“I’m hoping maybe other people will do the same thing in another city, so we can help everybody,” Olyaie said in an interview Wednesday.

The government shutdown was in its 33rd day Wednesday, affecting roughly 800,000 employees. About 380,000 are furloughed without pay and 420,000 are working without pay.

Olyaie said he thinks the shutdown is “silly” and should be ended.

“We’re the richest country in the world, best country in the world, and we have to shut down the government for a dispute regarding one wall,” he said.

“I don’t like it. I think it’s unfortunate for the country.”