What you should do is use your keys or something to hold the lever open, then go use a credit card or something to pry the door open.

 

Mine always has issues opening during the cold, but the alloy door never freezes shut. I have to wedge my wallet under the handle and then go open the door by hand. It looks like the spring they picked to open that thing is under such a light compression set that when it gets cold it shrinks and won't open. Its a royal PITA.

 

I put plasti dip on mine this summer. Hasn't stuck once. I had to have it replaced last winter from the beat down it got every time I got gas.