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RENO, Nev. - Rising fuel prices are putting a pinch on the world's oldest profession.

Nevada brothels that cater to long-haul truckers are offering gas cards and other promotions after experiencing business declines of up to 25 percent from a year ago, industry officials said Friday.

Geoffrey Arnold, president of the Nevada Brothel Owners' Association, said truckers account for as much as 75 percent of business at the state's rural brothels along Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 95.

He said business is down about 19 percent at his two northern Nevada brothels along I-80: Donna's Ranch in Wells and Donna's Battle Mountain Ranch.

''We're being affected by the economy like everybody else,'' Arnold said. ''Times are tougher. And truckers have less money to spend. They're not high-rollers anymore.''

Diesel fuel costs roughly $4.70 a gallon, up 67.5 percent from a year ago, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Of Nevada's 28 legal brothels, 16 are located in rural areas that are being hurt by truckers' higher diesel costs, Arnold said. Houses closer to Reno and Las Vegas, which rely more on tourists and convention-goers, reported business is up this year.

In response to a 5 percent drop in business, the Shady Lady Ranch along U.S. 95 about 150 miles north of Las Vegas plans to offer $50 gas cards to clients who spend $300 and $100 gas cards to those who spend $500.

The brothel also offers special monthly discounts, including an offer of 45 minutes of services for $175 instead of the usual rate of $200.

''Anything that has to do with discretionary income is down,'' owner Bobbi Davis said.