BajaNomad

Gasoline in Catavina, BOLA?

NE14Baja - 1-13-2020 at 08:18 AM

Rumor has it that there’s a gas station under construction in Catavina now, can anyone confirm. If so, is it open now?
Second rumor says there are two gas stations in BOLA now.
Last time I was there the one coming in to town was open, didn’t see one in town though.
Heading through the area next week, would appreciate any info, thx! 😎

advrider - 1-13-2020 at 08:28 AM

I don't think the station is open yet, it's the one that has been there just adding pumps, but it is Mexico. Barrell gas is still available in several locations in Catavina.
There are two stations in BOLA and they have always been open when I've been there. One on the right as you come into town and one just past it on the left. I would fill up on your way in, they do run out of gas on occasion.

NE14Baja - 1-13-2020 at 08:39 AM

Thx for the prompt reply. 👍🏽
I’m old school so I always top off before any long dry stretch.
Too many trips with folks asking to buy gas from my Jerry cans!

David K - 1-13-2020 at 08:43 AM

Cataviña is only 76 miles from El Rosario (where everyone should top their tanks). Gas is sold from Jerry cans there and the L.A. Bay junction, 60 miles south.

Shorter and quicker from the border is using Hwy. 5. Top off in San Felipe, then if you want, under 100 miles south is Gonzaga's station, otherwise, go the 200 miles from San Felipe to L.A. Bay.

Marc - 1-13-2020 at 08:56 AM

I remember the Pemex at Cataviña before it closed sometime in the early '90's. The hotel had a pump going for a while also. You could always buy gas from the hotel clerk. I wonder why the station at the BOLA turn-off closed. Seems like it would be a natural money maker at that location.
As far as BOLA goes.......electricity, gas stations, and next coming is cell coverage. There goes the neighborhood.:(:(:(

David K - 1-13-2020 at 09:16 AM

Hi Marc,
Both the Cataviña and L.A. Bay junction Pemex stations opened in 1974 or just before, to supply travelers on the new highway. Both stations are in great locations but when managed by ejidos, or mismanaged, the future was dim. Pemex gave them multiple passes on not paying for fuel but that finally ended. Gas has been sold in those locations by independent dealers out of cans. The hotel at Cataviña had a pump for a short period, but that didn't last long.

Lee - 1-13-2020 at 09:35 AM

Get gas in El Socorro S. of San Quintin, now. El Rosario has been crowded every time I pass through. That would be last 1/2 dozen times I pass there.

David K - 1-13-2020 at 09:49 AM

Knowing what Antonio does with the income for all of us travelers is worth any wait, plus the pumps are 100% honest.
Halcones del Desierto (Desert Hawks) emergency rescue and fire service in El Rosario is a wonderful effort thanks to Nomad 'BajaCactus'.
Items sold in the motel nextdoor support the Desert Hawks, as well.

DawnPatrol - 1-13-2020 at 11:00 AM

note on the LA Bay stations:
Only one carries Diesel
so as soon as you get into town, fill up. On occasion they run out

Alm - 1-13-2020 at 11:18 AM

It was not clear whether the OP wanted to visit BOLA or not. There is no need to deviate extra 80 miles to BOLA just for gas. There are always 2 guys with barrel in pickup on the Hwy 1 turn-off, North of the BOLA road. One is next to the remnants of old Pemex station and another one across the street at tiny restaurant.

Though I can't imagine any car not being able to make it to the next Pemex station on Hwy 1 if topped up at El Rosario.

For those who do need to be in BOLA, buy anything you need before you need it. One or both gas stations might close for several hours or for a day, stores might not have what you want when you want it, water fill outlet may be closed if there is power black-out (happens sometimes), and so on. Top up your gas tank immediately when you arrive.

[Edited on 1-13-2020 by Alm]

JZ - 1-13-2020 at 11:28 AM

Diesel was out for a week (at least) over New Years in BoLA.

We got it out of jugs at the turn off to Coco's. We were down to about 50-75 miles left.



[Edited on 1-13-2020 by JZ]

But never a long wait

thebajarunner - 1-13-2020 at 11:32 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  
Get gas in El Socorro S. of San Quintin, now. El Rosario has been crowded every time I pass through. That would be last 1/2 dozen times I pass there.


I get gas at least twice a year for the last 25 years from Antonio
Yeah, generally pretty crowded
Also, very efficient
I have never waited over 5 minutes and in Baja 5 minutes is not a big deal....

And the reason it is crowded is that he is honest and a good guy and supports a really important service toward highway safety...

JZ - 1-13-2020 at 11:40 AM

Whatever you do, do not get fuel at Jesus Maria, which is just North of GN.

It is the first gas station after BoLA when heading South.

Not sure the markup they are charging, but it ridiculous. Continue on to GN.

MMc - 1-13-2020 at 01:00 PM

As of last Wednesday the pumps were in at the station in Cativina but were out on. It's been that way for quite some time.

NE14Baja - 1-13-2020 at 02:29 PM

Reason for BOLA gas question is we’re heading south from BOLA along the coast for a couple of weeks of fishing, exploring and camping. 🤠
Didn’t want to carry extra gas from up north all the way down if not necessary. Top off vehicles and fill jerry cans in BOLA.
Will also stop at the purificadorá to fill water jugs as well.

Alm - 1-13-2020 at 06:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by NE14Baja  
we’re heading south from BOLA along the coast for a couple of weeks of fishing, exploring and camping. 🤠
Didn’t want to carry extra gas from up north all the way down if not necessary. Top off vehicles and fill jerry cans in BOLA.

Wouldn't it be nice to carry enough gas to go from the border to BOLA and back, without extra weight penalty...

Those 2 stations in BOLA have 15-20% mark-up compared to Tijuana.

bkbend - 1-13-2020 at 08:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Diesel was out for a week (at least) over New Years in BoLA.

We got it out of jugs at the turn off to Coco's. We were down to about 50-75 miles left.

[Edited on 1-13-2020 by JZ]


They got diesel late last week, apparently it was out for three weeks or so. I was there for a couple weeks a year and a half ago and they didn't have any for the two weeks I was there, but I can do San Felipe - B de LA - San Felipe on a tank. With two stations gasoline is reasonable reliable, but I have seen both out for a short period of time.

advrider - 1-13-2020 at 08:54 PM

NE14baja, do take pictures and tell us a story! I love the strech South from BOLA out to El Archo, always wanted to stop and check out the ranchos along the way. I would guess you will be staying at Poncho's (Rafeal's) if you are camping and fishing, love that place. Refer to David K'S map and trip reports for lots of details..

bajafreaks - 1-14-2020 at 06:55 AM

Stayed the night in Catavina last Thursday the station was not open yet, new pumps installed but that's it.

David K - 1-14-2020 at 09:09 AM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
NE14baja, do take pictures and tell us a story! I love the strech South from BOLA out to El Archo, always wanted to stop and check out the ranchos along the way. I would guess you will be staying at Poncho's (Rafeal's) if you are camping and fishing, love that place. Refer to David K'S map and trip reports for lots of details..


Trip Report and Maps for San Felipe to Punta San Francisquito (Jan 2017):
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2017-baja-expedition-1-e...

Updated report for San Felipe to Hwy. 1 section (Aug. 2018): https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/trip-8-aug-2018-new-hwy-...

billklaser - 1-14-2020 at 02:37 PM

This is one reason I set my truck up with a 2000 mile cruising range. As recommended by threads here there are many choices with only occasional delay's.

That is a lot of weight to carry

thebajarunner - 1-14-2020 at 02:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by billklaser  
This is one reason I set my truck up with a 2000 mile cruising range. As recommended by threads here there are many choices with only occasional delay's.


Assuming you are gas/diesel that equates to nearly 1000 pounds of fuel at takeoff.
I can think of a lot of reasons not to move that much excess weight, and very few reasons to do so.
Gas is plentiful these days in North America, so why pack the pounds???

John Harper - 1-14-2020 at 04:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by billklaser  
This is one reason I set my truck up with a 2000 mile cruising range. As recommended by threads here there are many choices with only occasional delay's.


Are you smuggling stuff from Canada to Venezuela? I've never heard of a 2000 mile range on a private vehicle. I'm picturing a trailer mounted tank, like the coal bunker on an steam locomotive.

Hands down, Winner. Manliest Gas Tank.

John


[Edited on 1-14-2020 by John Harper]

AKgringo - 1-14-2020 at 05:55 PM

How about an electric vehicle towing a generator?

thebajarunner - 1-14-2020 at 06:28 PM

Or a really long extension cord:D:D

mtgoat666 - 1-14-2020 at 06:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by billklaser  
This is one reason I set my truck up with a 2000 mile cruising range.


Seems like ridiculous overkill for going car camping in baja. I suppose if you are a farmer or contractor you could justify having a transfer tank in the bed of your pick up. Or are you a prepper?

billklaser - 1-14-2020 at 07:50 PM

OK guys, seems I struck a nerve here. First, I drive a F-350 with a 7.3 power stroke diesel. 1000#'s doesn't make much difference in fuel economy. When I set this truck up 20 years ago, we didn't have as many gas stations as there are today. I put a transfer flow fuel tank permanently mounted on the truck. At that time the cost of a 98 gallon tank was little more than a 60 gal tank. So I put the larger tank in. I also tow a 10K # boat. It's actually worked out well recently as the price of fuel at Costco in Chula Vista is much cheaper than the Baja diesel has been recently. And, what difference does it really make to you what the reason is for my decisions. Everybody have good travels in Baja and be safe.

Santiago - 1-15-2020 at 06:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by billklaser  
And, what difference does it really make to you what the reason is for my decisions. Everybody have good travels in Baja and be safe.


...because he's a narcissistic troll? Very similar, actually, to DJT.

Mr. Bills - 1-16-2020 at 07:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Whatever you do, do not get fuel at Jesus Maria, which is just North of GN. . . .

Not sure the markup they are charging, but it ridiculous. Continue on to GN.


On 8 January 2020 the Pemex station at Valle Jesus y Maria was charging 19.95 MXN/liter for Magna. Regular was 21.07 in Vizcaino earlier the same day. It was 20.65 in Loreto and 20.70 in Sta Rosalia two days before.

Admittedly, Magna was 18.85 in San Quintin on 9 January and 18.64 in Ensenada on 10 January, but in comparison with other cities and in view of its location, 19.95 at Jesus Maria doesn't seem ridiculous or a rip off.



JZ - 1-16-2020 at 07:47 PM

Show me the prices for diesel. And factor in some other horse pucky.

Then report back.

Mr. Bills - 1-16-2020 at 08:21 PM

Don't shoot the messenger. I'm just reporting the prices for gasoline on those days in those locations.

You don't have to like those facts, but it doesn't make them horse pucky.

Mr. Bills - 1-16-2020 at 09:12 PM

I'm not monitoring anyone. I do, however, record my gasoline purchases including quantity, price, brand and location.

I happened to be at those locations on those days and the prices I mentioned were the prices on the pumps.

The highest pump prices for Pemex Magna I observed on my recent trip were 22.03 in Vizcaino on 28 December and 21.10 in La Paz on 3 January. (Drum gas in Catavina was selling for 23/l on 8 January according to one of the guests at the hotel.)

The lowest I paid was 17.95/l at a Chevron station in Mexicali on 24 December.

Its just gas prices. Make of them what you will.





[Edited on 1-17-2020 by Mr. Bills]

JZ - 1-17-2020 at 12:04 AM

Again. Give diesel prices at the station I mentioned. If not stop posting.

bajafreaks - 1-17-2020 at 07:16 AM

Pretty much all of the stations I got fuel (Diesel) at was 22.49 from the boarder south between 12/28-1/12.

mtgoat666 - 1-17-2020 at 07:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mr. Bills  
I'm not monitoring anyone. I do, however, record my gasoline purchases including quantity, price, brand and location.

I happened to be at those locations on those days and the prices I mentioned were the prices on the pumps.

The highest pump prices for Pemex Magna I observed on my recent trip were 22.03 in Vizcaino on 28 December and 21.10 in La Paz on 3 January. (Drum gas in Catavina was selling for 23/l on 8 January according to one of the guests at the hotel.)

The lowest I paid was 17.95/l at a Chevron station in Mexicali on 24 December.



Gas stations in baja do not sell a standard liter that you are familiar with. Each station has their own definition of what a liter is. Typically, their liters are smaller than liters used throughout the rest of the world.
Comparing prices between stations is ridiculous, because each station uses a different liter.

Warf - 1-17-2020 at 08:57 AM

Drove through Catavena yesterday. New Pemex not open yet.

Mr. Bills - 1-17-2020 at 10:34 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

Comparing prices between stations is ridiculous. . . .


Please excuse me. I forgot that you are the definitive expert on all things Baja.

Not.

Mr. Bills - 1-17-2020 at 10:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Again. Give diesel prices at the station I mentioned. If not stop posting.


I will be happy to accede to your request to stop posting when you become the moderator of this forum.

Until then, [fill in the blank]. . . .


mtgoat666 - 1-17-2020 at 10:47 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mr. Bills  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

Comparing prices between stations is ridiculous. . . .


Please excuse me. I forgot that you are the definitive expert on all things Baja.

Not.


half the stations monkey with their pump calibration to sell you short liters. If one station sells 950 cm3 liters, and next sells you 890 cm3 liters,... then comparing the posted price per liter is meaningless.

how many stations sell a true 1000 cm3 liter that meets SI definition of a liter?
answer that, smart guy!

[Edited on 1-17-2020 by mtgoat666]

Mr. Bills - 1-17-2020 at 10:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

how many stations sell a true 1000 cm3 liter that meets SI definition of a liter?
answer that, smart guy!


I don't know the answer to that question and neither do you.

It must be tough being a legend in your own mind.

Have a nice day.

mtgoat666 - 1-17-2020 at 10:57 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mr. Bills  

It must be tough being a legend in your own mind.


no, it is quite easy!