BajaNomad

Pemex shortage?

Bajajorge - 6-17-2008 at 08:30 AM

Just read on one of the San Felipe forums that there is a shortage of fuel in San Felipe, only a couple of stations have fuel. Long waiting lines, etc. Supposedly tank truck drivers on strike. Can anybody shed some light on this, no rumors or inuendo please.:o

Taco de Baja - 6-17-2008 at 09:06 AM

I heard a news report this AM that some of the shortages in Mexico are due to the Gringos making a run for the border to get cheap fuel. This is significantly affecting fuel supply throughout the northern areas of Mexico in particular.

CaboRon - 6-17-2008 at 09:16 AM

Petrol stations are frequently out of one grade of gas or another. That's why I try to fill up at a quarter tank do that I can wait out the two or three days for gas.

The gas here in Baja Sur comes on barges from the mainland and docks in La Paz. So, there are interruptions at times.

Don't know what the deal is in San Felepe, although I find it hard to believe that cross border fill ups are a factor. That would require enormous numbers of vehicles coming over for their gas.

Is it possible that's what is happening ?

CaboRon

Taco de Baja - 6-17-2008 at 10:32 AM

TIJUANA – Demand from U.S. motorists for Mexican gasoline is straining supplies in Baja California.

Over the weekend, some stations began to limit the sale of diesel to $100 per customer. Other stations ran out of diesel as well as premium gas.

The Pemex plant at Playas de Rosarito supplies stations across Baja California. The plant was having problems supplying some gas stations, particularly those closest to the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa border crossings, station workers said.

The station at Second and Negrete streets in downtown Tijuana almost ran out of both regular unleaded and premium gasoline on Saturday, said Juan Carlos Carreto, the shift manager. The station ran out of gasoline at midday Sunday but received another shipment two hours later.

“This weekend and last we've had a big increase in sales. Many Americans came here, and besides filling up their tank, they brought gallon containers to take gas with them, Carreto said.

Other stations, like the one located on Bellas Artes Boulevard, near the Otay Mesa border crossing, started selling diesel to only regular customers. The station manager, Hector Lopez, said that Pemex had warned them that there would be a shortage of diesel this week.

Officials at Pemex could not be reached over the weekend. Some Pemex workers, however, said the oil company was having trouble keeping up with the increased demand. They said that a third distribution shift had been added to supply gas stations.

The workers said that in some instances stations were only receiving half the amount they had requested because reserves were running low.

The Association of Gasoline Station Owners of Tijuana, which represents 157 stations, said sales had increased 25 percent in the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2007, driven by the demand from California motorists.

Loboron - 6-17-2008 at 11:10 AM

What is being over looked with regards to diesel shortages in northern baja is the large vessels lined up and making reservations for fuel at the Hotel Coral & Marina, the only fuel dock currently in Ensenada.

All the long range boats now stop in Ensenda before going to San Diego to offload. The larger yachts are now coming down just to fuel and then return. The price per gallon has been averaging $2.27 and the marina can't keep fuel in the ground. It's sold faster than it can be delivered and as a result they started rationing the amount they would sell to each vessel as of last week. Most of the vessels want to purchase 2-3 thousand gallons or more at a time.

Last weekend they were out of fuel most of Friday and all day Saturday waiting for a delivery.

With the tuna season approaching it's only going to get worse. With the boats fueling here prior to returning to San Diego there's no way the marina will be able to keep up, they can't now.

[Edited on 6-17-2008 by Loboron]

mtgoat666 - 6-17-2008 at 11:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Loboron
All the long range boats now stop in Ensenda before going to San Diego to offload.


I always thought the long range sport charter fleet would be smarter to operate out of Ensenada. I would prefer that long range trips be shorter. Would be faster to drive to Ensenada and board a boat there. Smart operators would use a bus to take San Diego customers to load/unload in Ensenada -- avoids about 6 hours of wasted fuel/time to get to/from fishing grounds

Panic in San Felipe. None in Mexicali.

MrBillM - 6-17-2008 at 01:17 PM

A pal of mine called this a.m. to ask what I knew about the San Felipe shortage.

He had just come back from his home in Gonzaga yesterday and arrived in San Felipe needing Diesel fuel. He found ALL of the stations that were open had lines stretching blocks. Some stations were closed with signs that read "Out of Gas". Arriving at the New station north of town, he again found lines stretching long distance. Since he didn't KNOW that he could make Mexicali, he settled into line. After 1.5 hours, the police started down the line telling people the station was out of gas and to get out of line. When the police officer noticed that my pal had a Diesel, he said "Diesel OK, no gas". When the cars refused to leave, the police created an opening so the Diesel vehicles could get into the station. He filled up and went on his way.

Arriving in Mexicali, he noted that all was normal. Stations open, people filling up, no lines.

SO, the problem was unique to San Felipe. He did notice that the vehicles that were fueling in San Felipe were also filling up their spare gas cans and barrels.

Perhaps, a rumor got started and a panic started ??? He heard the same thing about the "Strike", but dismissed it when he found Mexicali normal.

The Answer From San Felipe.com.mx Today:
---------------------------------------------------------------
Impending shortages of gasoline and diesel. The whole of northern Baja is starting to experience a shortage of gasoline and diesel fuel as American motorists from California and Arizona drive into the border cities to fill up their gas tanks. Prices of gasoline in San Diego are now approaching $5/gallon and diesel is already well over this figure so it is making economic sense for people to come and shop in Mexico and fill their tanks. The Pemex distribution center just outside Rosarito is reported to be almost dry and deliveries to many Tijuana and Mexicali gasoline stations have been suspended. The impact is just starting to be noticed here in San Felipe as local citizens fill their tanks to avoid being caught without any gasoline for the coming 7-14 days. Pemex says that there is not a shortage of gasoline in Mexico, just that the scheduled deliveries to their Baja distribution facilities are not keeping up with the rapidly rising demand. We expect that as more tankers are sent to Rosarito, the scarcity will ease but this could take a couple of weeks. In the meantime, tourists coming in for the weekend should get their tanks filled when they arrive in town to avoid any difficulties of the stations running out over the weekend.

[Edited on 6-17-2008 by MrBillM]

Cypress - 6-17-2008 at 01:45 PM

grover, :) The "Mad Max" scenario might be closer to the truth than we can imagine.:)

BajaWarrior - 6-17-2008 at 08:31 PM

So much for our grand plans then. We're heading down this Thursday for a week and were planning on crossing the border on fumes, then filling up in Mexicali, with even a top-off in San Felipe.

Oh well, we'll bite the bullet and fill-up in the states.

viabaja - 6-18-2008 at 12:55 PM

BajaWarrior

Chuck, post info on your return. I'm curious to see if the irrationality continues. Normally diesel has never been a problem and the pumps in SF have been wide open!
I'm shutdown until late Sept and hopefully this madness will have gone away!

MrBillM - Bill do the same if you head down.

Chris

Packing

MrBillM - 6-18-2008 at 01:36 PM

For the first time in many years, I'll be carrying spare gas INTO Baja. Better safe than sorry, although I'll be there long enough to ride out any brief shortage.

Let you know this weekend.

Paulina - 6-18-2008 at 01:52 PM

We just filled up with diesel today in Morro Bay. :mad: $170.oo :o

That will get us down to Maneadero where we will fill up again for almost half that amount before heading over to San Felipe on Friday. We should be able to make it over to SF and back to Mane. on one tank, no problema.

Crazy.

P<*)))>{

[Edited on 18-6-2008 by Paulina]

DianaT - 6-18-2008 at 02:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paulina
We just filled up with diesel today in Morro Bay. :mad: $170.oo :o

That will get us down to Maneadero where we will fill up again for almost half that amount before heading over to San Felipe on Friday. We should be able to make it over to SF and back to Mane. on one tank, no problema.

Crazy.

P<*)))>{

[Edited on 18-6-2008 by Paulina]


Crazy---YES ---we can't wait to get back to Baja. Our truck is PARKED and not moving until we go and we have plenty of gas to get well below the border.

Our little commuter car, our Toyota Echo is the one we used to call our $20.00 gas car. Yesterday, at Costco, it cost $50.00 to fill it. :fire:

Off topic, but we were shopping at REI today for bike goodies and as we were shopping, they were increasing the prices of everything---shipping costs.

Was not that many years ago that our Calexico gas stations were always crowded with people from south of the border---sure they are empty now.

Freebird - 6-18-2008 at 05:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by grover
"...My life fades. The vision dims. All that remains are memories. I remember a time of chaos. Ruined dreams. This wasted land. But most of all, I remember The Road Warrior. The man we called "Max".



To understand who he was, you have to go back to another time. When the world was powered by the black fuel. And the desert sprouted great cities of pipe and steel. Gone now, swept away.

For reasons long forgotten, two mighty warrior tribes went to war and touched off a blaze which engulfed them all.

Without fuel, they were nothing. They built a house of straw. The thundering machines sputtered and stopped. Their leaders talked and talked and talked. But nothing could stem the avalanche.

Their world crumbled. The cities exploded. A whirlwind of looting, a firestorm of fear. Men began to feed on men. On the roads it was a white line nightmare. Only those mobile enough to scavenge, brutal enough to pillage would survive. The gangs took over the highways, ready to wage war for a tank of juice..."


Yeah, and the Hwy 1 is the Transcontinental or maybe Lord Humungus is around Cataviña :lol:

Alertan ante desabasto de gasolina

fulano - 6-18-2008 at 05:37 PM

Well, all the Baja newspapers are really jumping on this story. It's top story everywhere now. The latest chisme is that Baja will be out of all grades of fuel by Friday.

http://el-mexicano.info/nota.aspx?idNota=308628&esSecc=t...

The story says that gas sales volume in the TJ, Tecate, Playas area are up 40%.

MICK - 6-18-2008 at 05:54 PM

Came up from Cabo and went thru Gozaga to SF yesterday. We found that they only had Premiun fuel and the lines were long. We got gas again in Mexicali with no lines and I saw no closed stations so I think it must be SF only as of now. I did see a lot of people filling cans in SF so that may be some of the cause
Mick

Frank - 6-18-2008 at 08:59 PM

There is a lot of re-selling of Diesel going on......

BajaWarrior - 6-18-2008 at 09:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by viabaja
BajaWarrior

Chuck, post info on your return. I'm curious to see if the irrationality continues. Normally diesel has never been a problem and the pumps in SF have been wide open!
I'm shutdown until late Sept and hopefully this madness will have gone away!

MrBillM - Bill do the same if you head down.

Chris


Will do, trip report on Wednesday the 25th

ElFaro - 6-18-2008 at 09:27 PM

In case anyone is interested...

If you are on BLVD 2000 heading east and you take the off-ramp onto the TJ-Tecate free road that heads east (while BLVD 2000 turns north following the power lines) there are about 3-4 PEMEX stations about 1-2 miles east of the off-ramp on the free road all selling gas / diesel. While going through there I have never seen any Gringos in that area or at the gas stations...all Mexicans (cars / trucks). Most of the time I go through there the gas stations are nearly empty.

ElFaro - 6-18-2008 at 09:30 PM

Nearly empty of cars and trucks...not gas / diesel.

Needed to clarify that last statement. Sorry.

MICK - 6-18-2008 at 10:16 PM

They had deisel in SF yesterday when they didn't have gas

yellowklr - 6-19-2008 at 07:43 AM

So will I have any problems finding Diesel in Rosarito/Ensenada????

ElFaro - 6-19-2008 at 07:53 AM

I heard on the local radio today here in San Diego that buses and trucks are stranded from TJ down to Rosarito at PEMEX stations waiting for diesel deliveries on Monday. I think Ensenada will probably be affected as truckers suck up all the diesel they can get their hands on.

Russ - 6-19-2008 at 08:57 AM

Baja Cactus, What's the report from El Rasario?

bajamigo - 6-19-2008 at 08:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paulina
We just filled up with diesel today in Morro Bay. :mad: $170.oo :o

That will get us down to Maneadero where we will fill up again for almost half that amount before heading over to San Felipe on Friday. We should be able to make it over to SF and back to Mane. on one tank, no problema.

Crazy.

P<*)))>{



Good idea to have a Plan "B," Paulina. According to this morning's el Vigia, the diesel shortage has hit Ensenada, and a couple of stations on the Reforma are tapped out. I filled up in Maneadero yesterday (before visiting Mecca across the street, "Poblano"). Got the fuel OK, but had to wait behind several 18-wheelers, something I've never experienced before. Good news is that the price is still a shade over two bucks a gallon.

Freebird - 6-19-2008 at 12:00 PM

I live in Rosarito and didn't see any problem with gas or diesel neither lines at gas stations. I think most of the problem is near the border, in Tj.

bajamigo - 6-19-2008 at 01:39 PM

A neighbor just posted the following on our local Bulletin Board:

"11 a.m. Thursday. Just got back from Ensenada (we were on our way to
San Diego) - went to every station that carries diesel - there was
none to be found, and lines of trucks waiting for arrival of the
delivery and no one could say when that would be. Decided to come
home and lucked out in Maneadero - they had just received a delivery
and very kindly "rationed" out 40 liters to us. Did not (as of today)
seem to be a shortage of gasoline. Were also lucky to be able to
change our doctors' appointments to next week.
All of the stations attributed this shortage to the fact that the
majority of the diesel has been going to the stations in Tijuana,
Tecate, and Rosarito for the people who are crossing the border into
Mexico to fill up at a lower price. But it really is hurting us down
here, 100 miles south. The truckers are really hurting; they can't
even get what they need to keep on the road.
Can only imagine that the Mexican government will want to increase
their prices, and hopefully, if they do, it will just be in the border
regions, as they did once before. But who knows. . ."

:wow:

Fuel Shortage...

BajaCactus - 6-19-2008 at 02:52 PM

Sorry guys... I have been very busy taking care we do not run out of fuel at BajaCactus.

Indeed, the problem of fuel supply is critical in Mexico, and it is not exclusive of our area, but the whole country.

The problem resides in that the Mexico Government has been subsided the fuel prices, so Mexicans do not suffer from the very high prices of fuel that are affecting most of the world... However, here in the border we have a lot people coming from the States to take advantage of the low prices of the fuel (compared with the US)... specially in Diesel.

Another problem is that Pemex does not have enough plants to process the fuel being used in Mexico, and therefore they have to import a lot of the processed fuel from the US... so, in one end, Pemex sells cheap raw petroleum to the US, and in the other, they buy expensive processed fuel to compensate for the lack of processing plants, resulting in a high difference that at the moment is being absorbed by Pemex... it is said Pemex is loosing millions of dollars daily.

They have told us that at this point 100% of the Diesel is being imported.

Now, in Baja, the main distribution Pemex Plant is in Rosarito... from there all Baja is supplied... and when there is a shortage all Baja is affected... from Tijuana to Guerrero Negro.

To make matters worse, you should know that Gas Stations do not have permit to sell fuel wholesale, only to direct customers filling up their vehicle's tanks.... however, in the past, when something similar happened, and Gas Stations where surprised selling to US customers in big extra cans besides their vehicles tanks, they were shut down... so "officially", in the border, all this chaos is not being generated by people coming from the US... at least this will have to be the Gas Station owners version.

At BajaCactus, we have managed not to run out of any product yet... we have had a full supply of Magna, Premium and Diesel throughout this crisis... however, due to some people trying to buy in barrels to resell, and therefore possible affecting travelers, we had to ration the fuel, specially diesel, to only full tanks.

I hope this does not cause more controversy and clear some doubts.

Safe travels my friends...

BajaCactus
"Where the Baja is so much more than a dream..."

[Edited on 6-19-2008 by BajaCactus]

We can always count on you, Antonio

thebajarunner - 6-19-2008 at 05:48 PM

Great to have you as a friend for us 'down under'

both as a friend of Nomad
and as a personal friend as well.

Muchas gracias.

David K - 6-19-2008 at 05:56 PM

Thanks for taking time to explain this Antonio!

danaeb - 6-19-2008 at 06:05 PM

It's not our fault......breaking news

Baja Governor Blames Gas Company for Fuel Shortage, Not U.S. Drivers

"Diesel supplies in Tijuana should get back to normal within the next few days. Baja California's Governor says Mexico's gas company to blame for the shortage, not demand from U.S. drivers. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Governor Jose Guadalupe Osuna Millan says a PEMEX boat carrying 150,000 barrels of diesel is scheduled to arrive Friday."

http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=12040

Woooosh - 6-19-2008 at 07:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by danaeb
It's not our fault......breaking news

Baja Governor Blames Gas Company for Fuel Shortage, Not U.S. Drivers

"Diesel supplies in Tijuana should get back to normal within the next few days. Baja California's Governor says Mexico's gas company to blame for the shortage, not demand from U.S. drivers. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Governor Jose Guadalupe Osuna Millan says a PEMEX boat carrying 150,000 barrels of diesel is scheduled to arrive Friday."

http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=12040


There hasn't been an oil tanker off the coast of Rosarito Beach all week. No tankers- no gas. Usually there is one connected to the lines and another waiting to unload further out.

The second problem is there is only one set of underwater pipelines and you can only unload an oil tanker so fast- no matter what the demand is for gas is onshore.

No shortage of gas in Rosarito Beach (and there shouldn't be this close to the source). But geeesh, Now I know the huge gas storage tanks behind the new Home Depot are empty and filled with (more explosive) fumes. I hope Home Depot isn't doing a nailgun workshop this weeend! One wrong nail and ooops.

Klondike_Kid - 6-19-2008 at 07:57 PM

As I continually adjust and fine tune my ongoing plans for spending a significant portion of my future in Baja and especially the SOC side, now another "challenge" rears its head. "What will the fuel resources and availability be like by January 2009 when I finally cross the border for the first of many trips?" Of course no one would be able to answer that with any certainty. So a diesel rig is the name of the game for my transportation since I feel most of Mexico must have diesel in enough supply to keep goods flowing to the communities and stores for survival.

I've read and heard of the stories about the rip off artists at some stations, non-zeroing of the pumps, short changing, etc. But now a new tid bit of info has popped up in the article Baja Gas article presented at the beginning of this thread.

In the shaded insert it begins:
Quote:
Buying gas in Tijuana
If you go to Tijuana to fill up your tank, here are some tips:

- Look for pumps that have the holographic seal of the Consumer Protection Office, which is intended to ensure that you get the quantity you pay for.

OK, do ALL pumps throughout BAJA N & S have this seal on them? This is the first time I have heard about this. Can anyone provide even a partial list of those stations they DO KNOW have sealed pumps? Thanks.

[Edited on 6-20-2008 by Klondike_Kid]

Mango - 6-19-2008 at 08:00 PM

I haven't noticed any long lines or closures here in Mexicali. Although; last time I got gas was a week ago, I've been back in town for a few weeks now and all seems normal...

With all the rumors I might just go fill up my tank tomorrow though. :lol:

I let everyone know if I see a feral kid running around with a boomerang.

David K - 6-19-2008 at 08:09 PM

Yah, it would be really rough to go to your favorite Baja spot and have to stay becase of no gas to drive home on ... really rough! :light::bounce::bounce::D

BornFisher - 6-19-2008 at 08:47 PM

Last two afternoons (Wed & Thurs), there has been about a 30 car line for gas at the station in Cantamar. Backs up to near the Palms bar and grill! They do have two pumps shut down and that may be causing the lines!
The AM/Pm just south or Rosarito Beach looked good for gas, don`t know about diesel.

BajaGringo - 6-19-2008 at 08:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BornFisher
Last two afternoons (Wed & Thurs), there has been about a 30 car line for gas at the station in Cantamar. Backs up to near the Palms bar and grill! They do have two pumps shut down and that may be causing the lines!
The AM/Pm just south or Rosarito Beach looked good for gas, don`t know about diesel.


A lot of folks wait to get to Cantamar because that station is not under the same border restriction as Tijuana/Rosarito and has cheaper gas, although it is even cheaper in Ensenada...

ElFaro - 6-19-2008 at 09:53 PM

I'll tell you what PEMEX should do...

They should build gas and diesel pipelines down to the SEMPRA Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Storage Facility at Jatay (Bajamar)... right down to the off-loading terminal. Those LNG tankers from Indonesia literally dwarf anything PEMEX would have. PEMEX could then off-load their gas/diesel from their puny tankers between LNG deliveries. They would simply lease dock time.

BTW...those LNG storage tanks can hold enough Nat. Gas to supply the entire state of California for a day and the country of Mexico for a week.

Going South to get Gassed.

MrBillM - 6-19-2008 at 10:12 PM

It will be interesting to see IF Mexico reopens their exit checkpoints from years ago when the same problem occurred. Since some of the border crossings have been built since that time, they'd have to do some major construction.

Talk about DELAY at the border !

yellowklr - 6-20-2008 at 08:06 AM

Anyone know the Diesel situation in San Quintin or El Rosario?

David K - 6-20-2008 at 08:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by yellowklr
Anyone know the Diesel situation in San Quintin or El Rosario?


This was in BajaCactus' post (yesterday afternoon), right above yours... "At BajaCactus, we have managed not to run out of any product yet... we have had a full supply of Magna, Premium and Diesel throughout this crisis..."

'Baja Cactus' is the Pemex in El Rosario...



[Edited on 6-20-2008 by David K]

Capt. George - 6-20-2008 at 08:18 AM

Does anyone know:

Where does the gas/diesel come from to supply points south of Guerro Negro??

CaboRon - 6-20-2008 at 08:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capt. George
Does anyone know:

Where does the gas/diesel come from to supply points south of Guerro Negro??


The petrol for La Paz to Cabo San Lucas and quite possibly north from there comes into the port of La Paz via barge/tanker from the mainland.

CaboRon

shari - 6-20-2008 at 09:10 AM

I believe all gas and deisel around mid baja GN to maybe Sta.Rosalia comes from tanker trucks that come over on the ferry because when the gulf is rough and the ferries aren't running, we run out of fuel.

movinguy - 6-20-2008 at 09:34 AM

Just remember:

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN1919184420080619

You are risking "rampant drug violence" to fill your tank! :O

And maybe someone should tell the guy with the pickup truck that they don't usually kidnap poor people . . .

BS

rdrrm8e - 6-20-2008 at 10:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Loboron
What is being over looked with regards to diesel shortages in northern baja is the large vessels lined up and making reservations for fuel at the Hotel Coral & Marina, the only fuel dock currently in Ensenada.

All the long range boats now stop in Ensenda before going to San Diego to offload. The larger yachts are now coming down just to fuel and then return. The price per gallon has been averaging $2.27 and the marina can't keep fuel in the ground. It's sold faster than it can be delivered and as a result they started rationing the amount they would sell to each vessel as of last week. Most of the vessels want to purchase 2-3 thousand gallons or more at a time.

Last weekend they were out of fuel most of Friday and all day Saturday waiting for a delivery.

With the tuna season approaching it's only going to get worse. With the boats fueling here prior to returning to San Diego there's no way the marina will be able to keep up, they can't now.

[Edited on 6-17-2008 by Loboron]


This simply is not true.

A) The long range boats do "Turn around" trips. They hit the dock in Point Loma at 0600, offload passengers, restock, refuel and clean the boat. They are back out on the next trip by 1:00 pm. It's not logistically feasible to go to Ensenada to refuel.

B) They cannot stop on the way back for a couple of reasons. The first of which is customs and immigration. If they touched land all aboard would have to clear customs. Ain't gonna happen!

Also they pass Ensenada about 0200. The fuel dock isn't open.

C) Although a couple of boats tried this a couple of times...the Mexican authorities will not sell fuel to these boats.

edit for speeling

[Edited on 6-20-2008 by rdrrm8e]

BajaGeoff - 6-20-2008 at 11:08 AM

I filled up at the Rosarito Pemex yesterday. The line for diesel was a bit longer than for regular fuel, but nothing crazy. The fill cost me 500 pesos, about $30 cheaper than what I would pay up in San Diego.

Woooosh - 6-20-2008 at 12:04 PM

Still no oil tankers off the coast of Rosarito Beach today. It'll be very ugly in TJ if the public buses don't have fuel this weekend.

Does NAFTA allow Mexico to deny the sale of any commodities to Americans? Don't think so. Then again they get away with blocking direct real estate sales in coastal and border regions to Americans- so who knows?

Loboron - 6-20-2008 at 01:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rdrrm8e
Quote:
Originally posted by Loboron
What is being over looked with regards to diesel shortages in northern baja is the large vessels lined up and making reservations for fuel at the Hotel Coral & Marina, the only fuel dock currently in Ensenada.

All the long range boats now stop in Ensenda before going to San Diego to offload. The larger yachts are now coming down just to fuel and then return. The price per gallon has been averaging $2.27 and the marina can't keep fuel in the ground. It's sold faster than it can be delivered and as a result they started rationing the amount they would sell to each vessel as of last week. Most of the vessels want to purchase 2-3 thousand gallons or more at a time.

Last weekend they were out of fuel most of Friday and all day Saturday waiting for a delivery.

With the tuna season approaching it's only going to get worse. With the boats fueling here prior to returning to San Diego there's no way the marina will be able to keep up, they can't now.

[Edited on 6-17-2008 by Loboron]


This simply is not true.

A) The long range boats do "Turn around" trips. They hit the dock in Point Loma at 0600, offload passengers, restock, refuel and clean the boat. They are back out on the next trip by 1:00 pm. It's not logistically feasible to go to Ensenada to refuel.

B) They cannot stop on the way back for a couple of reasons. The first of which is customs and immigration. If they touched land all aboard would have to clear customs. Ain't gonna happen!

Also they pass Ensenada about 0200. The fuel dock isn't open.

C) Although a couple of boats tried this a couple of times...the Mexican authorities will not sell fuel to these boats.

edit for speeling

[Edited on 6-20-2008 by rdrrm8e]


Although the "Long Range" boats, the few that have stopped are not returning since they're adding fuel sur-charges now, and there is nothing illeagal about them purchasing fuel. When they unloaded passengers in Cabo San Lucas they used to purchase fuel at the cannery prior to their voyage home. I was there.

I live up on the hill over looking the marina and I monitor the VHF. I have seen a dozen of the daily fishing boats here last week and the week prior filling up. I used to run those boats and still know several of the Captains who call and ask about availability of the fuel.

Last week several large yachts came down with the specific intention of purchasing fuel along with several boats from the "Sport Fleet" from the landings. The "Searcher" was the last boat I observed before the marina stopped selling.

The marina, as I mentioned couldn't keep fuel in the ground due to the demand. Since running out last weekend and only receiving a partial load, they have stopped selling fuel to none tenants. Now they ration the fuel to tenants and the local sport fleet from downtown that come to the marina.

Bajajack - 6-20-2008 at 02:22 PM

I dont now about TJ but a lot of hostile talk in Mexicali for limiting foreign plated vehicles "that means us" to no more than 100P, no more fillups.

Ken Cooke - 6-20-2008 at 02:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajajack
I dont now about TJ but a lot of hostile talk in Mexicali for limiting foreign plated vehicles "that means us" to no more than 100P, no more fillups.
"Hostile talk" from Gringos on AM Radio, or where? :?:

bajaguy - 6-20-2008 at 02:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajajack
I dont now about TJ but a lot of hostile talk in Mexicali for limiting foreign plated vehicles "that means us" to no more than 100P, no more fillups.




A lot of Mexicans driving foreign plated vehicles (with expired registrations) are going to be out of luck.

The Gull - 6-20-2008 at 03:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BornFisher
Last two afternoons (Wed & Thurs), there has been about a 30 car line for gas at the station in Cantamar. Backs up to near the Palms bar and grill! They do have two pumps shut down and that may be causing the lines!


All the more reason to get into Palms and drink all afternoon. Remember to get your car washed across the street. Before getting in the line, go about 1/4 mile further south and get a fish taco from Mariscos Alegria and then return to wait in line. Things will go better.

Now let's hear from the ones who stalk my posts and give me a fire and brimstone lecture.

bancoduo - 6-20-2008 at 03:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Gull


All the more reason to get into Palms and drink all afternoon. Remember to get your car washed across the street. Before getting in the line, go about 1/4 mile further south and get a fish taco from Mariscos Alegria and then return to wait in line. Things will go better.

Now let's hear from the ones who stalk my posts and give me a fire and brimstone lecture.
Is that the Palms that you referred to on another thread as refuge for "OLD UGLY ALCOHOLICS". CHEERS! :lol::lol::lol:

DENNIS - 6-20-2008 at 03:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
[

A lot of Mexicans driving foreign plated vehicles (with expired registrations) are going to be out of luck.


I'm sure their secret code ring or the hand shake will work in these circumstances. Maybe the US should only sell gas to people who speak English.

bajaguy - 6-20-2008 at 03:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS

I'm sure their secret code ring or the hand shake will work in these circumstances. Maybe the US should only sell gas to people who speak English.




It's OK. I live in Ensenada.....I have an FM-3...:lol:

Ken Cooke - 6-20-2008 at 06:40 PM

Here's the latest from today's news on this topic:

Gas Stations await fuel delivery of diesel fuel
The scramble for diesel fuel continued south of the border as fewer and fewer stations had supplies to keep public transportation moving and big trucks delivering goods. The problem began last weekend as a flood of U.S. drivers bought up lower-cost Mexican fuel and caused some stations to restrict sales to regular customers.

200,000 Tijuana bus riders face cancellations
TIJUANA – At least 200,000 bus riders faced cancellations of routes Thursday as public transit companies scrambled to find diesel.

$2.50 Gasoline Causing Chaotic Traffic Scenarios At BorderTIJUANA, Mex. - A rush to the U.S.-Mexico border to buy gasoline at half price is causing chaotic traffic scenarios and leading many fueling stations' tanks to run dry.

The Gull - 6-20-2008 at 06:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bancoduo
Quote:
Originally posted by The Gull


All the more reason to get into Palms and drink all afternoon. Remember to get your car washed across the street. Before getting in the line, go about 1/4 mile further south and get a fish taco from Mariscos Alegria and then return to wait in line. Things will go better.

Now let's hear from the ones who stalk my posts and give me a fire and brimstone lecture.
Is that the Palms that you referred to on another thread as refuge for "OLD UGLY ALCOHOLICS". CHEERS! :lol::lol::lol:


Stalker

Bajafun777 - 6-20-2008 at 10:07 PM

Here is what happening in Mexicali, Tuesday June 17th at 9:30pm all the Premex stations in Mexicali out of diesel. On Wednesday at 10:30 am new truck loads with it. Now, today at 5:30pm out of diesel again and it is only Friday. Talk of Mexican government not letting anyone get any fuel unless they can prove they are living in the Mexico area they are getting either gas or diesel. The other talk is the Mexican government is going to limit sales to 45 gallons on diesel and no more. The problem down here in Mexicali is the farmers in U.S. and Trucking firms in U.S. are sending their semi-trucks and trucks that take in over 150 gallons at one time and some sending them two or three times a day. This is making it very difficult for the mexicans and those of us that fuel up and actually buy dinner, see doctors, dentists, tile, clothes,etc. to where we will lose out on any bargains on fuel while doing these things. Hell, I even take my dogs down there to a really good Vet. Some people just let their greed make things rough for everyone. If Mexico stops Americans from getting diesel then they will lose in other sales along with it. I think the 45 gallon limit would be a better approach to American licensed vehicles. Will just wait and see how this developes. Mexico has to be careful on their approach to this as NAFTA is at stake as a lot of people want to do away with it, and this thing works both way very little anyway and slapping the tourist and visitor could really be the nail in the coffin for both sides. Hope that does not happen. Fernando what have you heard on this issue?????? Later-------------------------------------- bajafun777

Woooosh - 6-21-2008 at 07:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajajack
I dont now about TJ but a lot of hostile talk in Mexicali for limiting foreign plated vehicles "that means us" to no more than 100P, no more fillups.


Finally people have a reason to visit mexico and spend some money at the local am/pm. It would be just like the same old stuck-on-stupid country to limit gas sales to Americans and then complain that toursit numbers are down even more.

doh!

BTW... Saturday morning and still no PeMex tankers in Rosarito unloading fuel. It's gonna be gridlock and paralysis in TJ Monday. My nephew tells me there are lines of public buses an d trucks parked at gas stations in Otay waiting for fuel delivery- no fuel no transportation. School is out here though (primary and secondary) so no school busses taking gas. Hey--- what school busses??? never mind...

Even when the tanker arrives trhere is only one pipeline to offload the fuel- and it only handles a fixed amount of flow. If they had several tankers lined up to unload, it would do no good as there's only one connection. It'll take many days to get the gas out to stations even after the flow begins...

[Edited on 6-21-2008 by Woooosh]

[Edited on 6-21-2008 by Woooosh]

Regarding limited fuel sales

David K - 6-21-2008 at 07:24 AM

Isn't it easy to buy a half a tank at one Pemex (or whatever the limit is) and the balance at another? With a zillion Pemex stations, what is the problem if there is a restriction on how much is sold at one station?

[Edited on 6-21-2008 by David K]

Woooosh - 6-21-2008 at 08:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Isn't it easy to buy a half a tank at one Pemex (or whatever the limit is) and the balance at another? With a zillion Pemex stations, what is the problem if there is a restriction on how much is sold at one station?

[Edited on 6-21-2008 by David K]


well, you have to get around the poor saps pushing their cars from one PeMex to another in search of gas first. In Rosartio there are so many new PeMex stations you can see the next one before you push awsay from the current one. Hypothetical of course- Rosarito isn't dry yet.

"The future: A ship carrying a large supply of diesel should dock Monday at the Pemex distribution center in Rosarito Beach.Public transit operated in TiJuana yesterday, but the short age of diesel fuel continued to idle truckers. The disruption in supply is expected to last into, next week.

Dozens of rigs transporting merchandise from other cities have been stuck on the outskirts of Tijuana, some for as long as three days.

Pemex, the national oil monopoly, began sending tanker trucks to ITjuana from Guaymas, Sonora, on Thursday, shift managers at gas stations said. The 12-hour trips are stopgap measures until the region's fuel distribution terminal in Rosarito Beach is resupplied by ship.

A news release from an association of gasoline stations confirmed that the Rosarito Beach plant would begin supplying diesel widely starting Monday. " from union trib

mtgoat666 - 6-21-2008 at 08:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
With a zillion Pemex stations, what is the problem if there is a restriction on how much is sold at one station?

[Edited on 6-21-2008 by David K]


the problem is that it is invonvenient if people need to go to multiple service stations to fill their tanks.
the society and economy are not built around a rationing system, so some do find it "inconvenient."

A-OK in San Felipe Friday

MrBillM - 6-21-2008 at 08:21 AM

Heading South, For the first time ever, I stopped at the New Pemex North of town. No lines. No shortage of Gas or Diesel. Same thing in town. Everybody doing business and no lines. I looked at my two Brand-New "California" Fuel Containers filled with $50 in U.S. fuel. Oh Well. Better safe than otherwise.

Later in the week, I AM taking ALL of my empty containers into town on my supply run. Better for ME to have control over my supply than someone else. There are bound to be more bumps in the road from time to time.

The biggest irritation was having to buy a couple of those damned California containers because all of my other spares were in Mexico.

DENNIS - 6-21-2008 at 09:06 AM

A buddy pulled into a station in downtown area yesterday. No lines, no rationing for diesel. "Fill 'er up".

Makes you wonder a little, doesn't it.

Woooosh - 6-21-2008 at 09:25 AM

The Boat! The Boat! The first PeMex oil tanker has just arrived in Rosarito Beach

A Hint of the Old Days

MrBillM - 6-21-2008 at 09:28 AM

I'm sure that I'm not the only one who remembers the "Good/Bad" Old Days in the 60s-70s (actually into the early 80s) when NOTHING was guaranteed in San Felipe. Vehicles waiting at THE gas station for the transport truck to unload. Waiting for hours (so you didn't lose your place in line) at the Propane yard for the Old guy (with the dangling cigarette) to fill those tanks from a bunch of 25-gallon tanks trucked in, Sometimes running out before he got to you. Going to every one of the few stores who vended ice to find that NONE was available. Finding the ONE water purification plant closed until (Manana ?). Always doing your grocery shopping on the day of the week the suppliers came down from Mexicali because the next day would be too late.

All in all, we're spoiled. Life is good.

viabaja - 6-23-2008 at 02:44 PM

Ah yes - filling up in Calexico (aux tanks) to NOT have to fill in SF as that Nova stuff pinged like crazy. There was ONE Pemex station (Rodriguez's) where they may or may not have had fuel available! Going up to the ice house on the cliff for block ice where they stocked the boats up (when he was open), stopping in at the ONE Corona cerveza place (across from the Miramar for cases. The propriator always gave out free openers & glass mugs!

Yes Bill, those were the days!! We have been spoiled.

Frank - 6-23-2008 at 03:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
The Boat! The Boat! The first PeMex oil tanker has just arrived in Rosarito Beach


Now I have no worries! Thanks Woooosh!

BajaWarrior - 6-28-2008 at 08:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM
Heading South, For the first time ever, I stopped at the New Pemex North of town. No lines. No shortage of Gas or Diesel. Same thing in town. Everybody doing business and no lines. I looked at my two Brand-New "California" Fuel Containers filled with $50 in U.S. fuel. Oh Well. Better safe than otherwise.

Later in the week, I AM taking ALL of my empty containers into town on my supply run. Better for ME to have control over my supply than someone else. There are bound to be more bumps in the road from time to time.

The biggest irritation was having to buy a couple of those damned California containers because all of my other spares were in Mexico.


We came through Thursday night about 8, no lines, had all fuel at the same station.

Also, they had Magna in Puertocitas on Sunday, we filled our Toyota up, and it was less than 7 pesos a litre.

[Edited on 6-28-2008 by BajaWarrior]

r.LongLines.jpg - 30kB

David K - 6-28-2008 at 08:15 AM

Nice photo of the new station!