unable to open door to gas inlet

Twice I have stopped my car needing to fill up and the disengage button
inside my S80 will not release the door to allow me to fill up. Any ideas?
I was about to jimmy open the gas inlet door when I tried one last time, and
the door opened. What can I do if it will not open in the future?

 

Most cars have an emergency release inside the trunk. Check you owners
manual. It is a wire that you pull. I sounds like you need to get the
cable replaced or lubricated or that the release itself needs to be
replaced or lubricated.

 

What year S80? My '01 unlocks when the doors unlock and remains unlocked
for a period of time after the doors are locked before re-locking itself. (I
guess to give you time to fill the tank if you are in a risky neighborhood?)

Allen