RVers are acutely aware of the cost of fuel. Pulling over and pumping 100+ gallons in a motorhome tank can put a serious hole in your wallet. It’s no wonder that fuel price apps like GasBuddy are popular among RVers.
What’s the worst price you’ve ever paid for gas? We submit what is perhaps the highest price gas station in the Lower 48 states.
Truck accident reveals what could be the highest price gas station
A few weeks ago a truck wreck closed down lanes on California’s Interstate 40, near the Nevada border. Drivers were stuck for hours, idling at standstill, waiting for traffic to clear while trying to keep the air conditioner on to stay cool.
Some found they were running precariously low on fuel. If they were anywhere near Essex, California, they may have crawled off the interstate to refuel at the only game in many miles, Najah’s Desert Oasis.
An oasis? That depends on your definition. If paying $8.59 a gallon for regular gas is your vision of waving palm trees and camels with smiling faces, then you’ve come to the right place. GasBuddy says the lowest price in California for gas today, August 20, is $3.51, while the state-wide average is $4.54.
So where does this middle-of-nowhere Chevron station come up with pricing their fuel 62% higher than the state average? We already said it. They’re in the middle-of-nowhere.
Law of supply and demand?
While some may subscribe to the “law of supply and demand,” the numbers on Najah’s pumps shocked others. Evidently it’s not something that “just happened” with the big I-40 backup.
Signs on the pumps admonish, “Our overhead is extremely high. Delivery cost is double with this location. There is a vast [area] of almost 100 miles of desert, with no service. Please do not complain about the prices. You have a choice to be a customer or not. We are here for your convenience. Thank you for supporting a family owned business.”
Some may have had a “choice to be a customer or not.” Others, running on fumes in the unexpected situation, didn’t have that choice. And as to “delivery cost is double with this location,” that’s a debatable issue.
One social media poster said he’d contacted Chevron, and the company said their delivery prices are no higher based on location. Inside, prices are seemingly inflated. One social media poster said the paid $8 for a bottle of water.
In any event, should you plan on making the journey from Vegas to parts south into California (or vice versa), you have been warned. Najah’s Desert Oasis just might be the highest price gas station in the Lower 48—perhaps in the entire country.
As of August 19, Najah’s prices as shown on GasBuddy were $8.95 per gallon of regular. We were not able to verify the accuracy of this information.
##RVT1171b
Greed!
And STATE TAXES for every gallon of fuel dispensed. Now, the state’s gas tax is 60 cents, whereas it was 58 cents from July 2023 to June 2024, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. This fee is on top of sales tax and the federal fuel tax for gasoline, which currently sits at 18 cents.
If in fact the delivery charge is not higher for this station as the sign states. They should be reported to the BBB, the Attorney General, the FTC and Chevron. Chevron is allowing them to inflate the price for a reason that does not exist.
Well Bob, remember their sign? Just like me- you need to think and plan your route and gas stops. Even without high prices, it’s not smart to stretch- especially out there! In the end, don’t waste time contacting others about it- unless you’re just telling them about the the prices. 🙂
Well Drew, who died and left you in charge of the “Calling out Greedy Station owners” issues? I am sure that Bob is MORE THAN CAPABLE of doing what he believes is the right thing.
Well, I don’t understand your post. I did not call out the station owner. I only reminded Bob that the sign reminds people of their choices. And you should visit the oasis too. -Lots of things to look at there. And be sure to fill up at the many spots out there before your visit.
I never meant that you called out the Station owner. Bob called him out and you called Bob out for calling the station owner out. Your comment to Bob sounded very condescending. Maybe you didn’t intend it to but that’s the way it came across to me.
That’s price gouging plain and simple.
Just like all the rest of the gas thieves.
I’ve actually stopped at this place to admire its presence in the vastness of the Mojave. It’s a neat location and definitely qualifies as an oasis to a weary traveler.
There’s no law they’re breaking by offering fuel for sale at a price you dislike but let’s pretend you find a way to shut them down.
Now instead of anyone having an option for fuel, you’ve left travelers with no option and put a family to the street.
Do you think a tow truck delivering fuel to a stranded motorist in the Mojave will be more economical? Would the next step be to shut the tow trucks down as well?
Najah’s sell fuel and their location dictates the price. You have a choice to buy or not buy.
A voice of reason.
Thank you, Vince. Someone who understands how a free capitalist system works.
For those who demand price controls, study up on what happens in Gov’t controlled economies when it comes to supply. Yep, lower prices, but not much available to purchase.
Side note: In my decades in international business I’ve worked with many people from former Soviet block nations, grew up next door to a family that escaped East Germany, and had an employee that escaped Poland. I’ve heard the first hand accounts of gov’t control. Believe me…you don’t want it.
Spot on, Mikal.
Well said. I completely agree
We drive by the place at least twice per month. They’re open 24/7/365 all weather. The restrooms are free and open. They’re nice people. We don’t buy fuel there but in a rough desert storm it’s a safe to ride it out. And they have EV charging if you need it.
Chevron stations in general seem to be the highest priced gas stations in all areas across the state of California. In the Eastern Sierras from Big Pine, Lee Vining and on north through Bridgeport and beyond, prices were in the $6.00 per gallon range.
BUT..Chevron will be moving their corporate offices out of California and into Texas, so maybe their prices will come down some 🤞
Don’t blame anyone for “moving out of California”.
We refuse to even visit Cali.
Yesterday it was $6/ gallon cheaper 37 miles east of that station.
So much for the “supply and demand” lie these greedy people are spewing.
It appears that they really do want me to support their family.
Sarcasm? No- just the truth about GREED.
We went there sometime back around the fall of 2008 I believe. I didn’t think we’d get to Havasu on what we had left in the tank. I only put in around 15 gals. as I remember. I remember it was around $4.50 then- when normal prices were around 2 bucks or so. It a nice place- there all by itself. They have lots of cool stuff there too.
Back in May of 1996, traveling home my first year of college from Tulsa, OK, stopped in a small fuel station around Winona, AZ. I still had a 1/2 tank of fuel, but had already used up my extra 5 gallon fuel jug. Once I saw the $4+ gallon price, I chanced it on to Flagstaff, AZ. Subsequent, to this trip I carried two 5 gallon jugs of fuel, with me.
My car at the time was a 1972 Opel Kadett, that got 30mpg, but only had a 9.2 gallon fuel tank. The RV we always fill up (top up) at major towns, or truck fuel stop before heading out to the middle of nowhere.
Yeah, I’ve gotten to the point where I start thinking of filling the truck once I hit the ½ tank level. That way I don’t run into the “I gotta get fuel NOW, no matter what” point.
Just drove by this station yesterday and yes the gas was that high and yes you couldn’t pay me $86/ hour to live and work in such a god forsaken place. Plus to drive I 40 you really need all wheel drive. It is about half cars and half semis. It’s got more pot holes per mile than NY city. And on the weekend down right dangerous with the Las Vegas to Southern California party pipe line. The redeeming grace. Our daughter lives in Monterey County. If you can avoid avoid avoid
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 I filled the Jeep yesterday morning here in East Tennessee. I paid $2.73/gallon for 87 octane regular. I can get over three gallons here for what you are paying for a single gallon. 🤔😯 Y’all sure have expensive gasoline out that way! 🤔😯 Thanks again for the warning! Have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
It’s one station.
Good morning Neal. I read your post and saw nothing wrong with it. Just the truth! And yet, you had 2 cowardly people leave you negative votes under your quote, for just speaking the truth. It is truly a shame that the cowards in this world refuse to engage in fruitful conversation on topics. I left you a positive vote, which negated one of the negative votes. I shake my head at the shallowness of these people! Have a great day and “Happy Camping”!
Thank you, Ed D! I appreciate your support; thank you! I hope that you, too, have a great day, happy camping, and safe travels! 🙂
This station preys upon the poor planners. I’ve driven buy many times. I stopped there recently for a cup of coffee, thankfully I didn’t need gas as I had filled up 50 miles back in Arizona. Yes, it sits in a 100 mile stretch of desert, but Needles is 35 miles east and Barstow is 90 miles west. You should be able to plan to avoid these price gougers.
Exactly this. Eastbound I-40 fill in Barstow CA and westbound at Arizona Exit 9 Hwy 95/Lake Havasu offramp. Ludlow CA exit between points is also an option.
Chevron…says it all right there.
For me, I have the F150 with the Eco Boost engine. towing my Airstream trailer. Once you hook up the trailer, 89 octane, above 5000′ altitude, 92 octane. Get’s expensive fast.
2.85 in Savannah, TN
There is absolutely NOTHING in California I will ever desire to see. It is one of the States that will NEVER be graced with our Vacation Dollars! That is a shame because it used to be a very well run and beautiful State. Outside of the major Cities, it is still beautiful. Just not worth spending our money there.
In 2009 I paid over $8/gal in Germany. In 2018 I paid approx $6.50 per gal in Canada. Our prices here in the US are low in comparison.
I never compare our prices (for anything) to other countries.
Are you paying $6.50 per U.S. gallon in Canada or have you done the conversion? Gas stations in Canada sell gas by the litre. Today, someone from the U.S. spending one US$ gets $1.43 in CA$ equivalency. Our regular gas, where I live is $1.56 per litre. That’s $1.09 US. Roughly 4.54 litres to a Canadian gallon would be $4.95 for one CA gallon in US$. BUT, the CA gallon is 25% larger than the US gallon therefore you are actually paying $3.96 in US$ for one CA gallon.
Here in North East Pa There’s a new station opened that wants $3.29 gallon plus there are a few in the low $3.30’s. Maybe because we’re close to elections and democrats want to win. Hate to see price of gas after elections.
Bingo!!
Or maybe it’s because that is the accurate pricing for gas in your area. The oil industry is not a government owned industry. Prices are determined in a global market. There isn’t any conspiracy. They charge the amount that brings them the highest profit. Not too much — that starts to drive prices down. Not too little — they lose money and go out of business. The sweet spot is always what YOU will pay everyday. Quit buying and the prices will go down (because the supply goes up). It has nothing to do with elections or democrats or Trump. It is economics, plain and simple. Conspiracy theories are fun, but pretty useless in real life.
law of supply and demand; get’em when/while you can! An old American concept.
Fuel prices in general are very inexpensive in North America. I travel to Germany yearly and I pay around 2.75 Euros per litre for diesel.
Double what I pay in Canada, and an even higher multiple for fuel in the USA.
What I NEVER see on German highways is a North American sized truck or SUV. Smaller trucks, cars, and station wagons, with wildly better fuel efficiency.
Look harder. They’re there. Plentiful. I was in Germany (born/raised), The Netherlands, and Iceland in June. Saw plenty of Ram trucks and other full sized p’ups as well as some pretty good sized American truck campers, motor homes, and TT’s. Are they ubiquitous? No. But they do exist. In fair numbers.
In Iceland, it seemed that every driveway in Keflavik held some kind of TT, MH, or class B. They DO have an incredibly beautiful country for exploring….
I’m not even going to comment about the complainers here…oh wait, I just did.
Mine is more of a spelling question, which has never been my strong soot.
Is it ‘price gaging’ or ‘price guaging?
gouging
You have to look at how much of the price per gallon is tax.
I thought everyone knew to stop in AZ a few miles before the CA border to get gas.
It’s interesting how I’ve passed by this place literally hundreds of times over many years towing a boat and never had to even think of stopping there for gas. Planning ahead is all part of traveling. Now, I’ll have to stop just to check it out. Not for gas though.
Having owned a Chevron station in the past, this isn’t a surprise. Example: when retail prices broke $1.00 (yes I know, long ago) we could have bought @ retail, paid for custom delivery, the 32 miles to us added the extra state taxes & still had our cost be less than our Chevron wholesale price.
There is 1 overlooked issue in this article: the business of business is staying in business. So every business must price their products & service to enable staying in business 12 months every year. So if the price is too high, call roadside assistance, pay the posted price & cringe, or buy the business & run it your way
Worst price for gas….hmmm… a marina in the BVI’s & US-VI’s . $8.70 US/gallon.
highest priced has in the lower 48::
mendicino california. $10gal
was there just two weeks ago.
six minutes south, 6 miles south, $6gal
Love reading the comments complaining about the poor quality of I-10 which are then immediately followed by comments complaining about the gas tax. Apparently most Americans expect the roadwork fairies to show up overnight to wave their wands and fix the potholes for free.
I would like those fairies to “just show up”. Roads in many freeways in CA are absolutely horrible with chuck holes so big I would be afraid to ride a motorcycle down the highway! We need a change in CA … people that will use the $$$ for what it was truly intended!
No, but most Americans rightfully expect the gas tax money to be used on, you know, fixing the roads which have been crumbling for decades. Now, where exactly has that tax money raised, but not spent, on fixing our crumbling infrastructure gone? Despite two recent “historic” infrastructure bills costing we, the taxpayers more than $2 Trillion (with a “t”) dollars. Any ideas?
Price isn’t much different than in Shoshone CA. If you want gas before you hit Death Valley fill up in Pahrump. Price is even higher once you get into DV.
Could you experienced RV owners please share your thoughts about applying Flex Seal to an older RV roof to extend its life ?
Highest price I’ve seen! Wow!
Highest gas prices I’ve seen is in Death Valley!
Higher than the gas station at Furnace Creek in Death Valley? I paid $10 a gallon for diesel fuel there in 2022.
Of course it’s in CA. Thank you Gavin Newsome
While traveling in our class B diesel Sprinter in 2023 the cheapest fuel was $3.29 in TN and the highest was $5.99 in CA.
The governor just approved a new set of legislation mandating minimum fuel storage levels..thinking that will keep fuel prices lower ?? GO OUT AND VOTE!
Sorry for the politics RV Travel
Hi, Bill. Stating the facts is a lot different than spreading false rumors. Have a good night.🤗 –Diane