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Writer's pictureTravis Bjorklund

The Craziest Places on Earth to Get Gas

Updated: 4 days ago

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Ever been so low on gas you could swear tumbleweeds were blowing through your fuel tank? Now imagine that happening in the middle of a Siberian winter or the scorching Australian Outback. Welcome to the world of extreme fueling, where gas stations aren't just convenient pit stops, but literal lifelines.


From the edges of the Arctic Circle to the heart of the world's driest deserts, we're about to explore some of the most remote and downright crazy places to fill up. These aren't your average corner pumps – they're the unsung heroes of the fuel world, braving nature's worst to keep adventurers, truckers, and entire communities moving. Ready for a wild ride? Let's hit the road!


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Desert Oases: Fueling in the World's Driest Places


Ever felt like you were melting at the pump on a hot summer day? That's just a walk in the park compared to fueling up in the world's hottest deserts.


Take the Namib Desert in Namibia, where gas stations are so far apart, running out of fuel could mean game over. These remote pumps aren't just gas stations – they're full-blown survival outposts, stocking everything from water to emergency supplies.


Or how about Coober Pedy in South Australia? This underground town, famous for its opal mines, boasts a gas station that looks like it belongs in a Mad Max movie.


With daytime temperatures that could fry an egg on the pavement, it's no wonder half the town lives beneath the surface.

But the crown jewel of desert fill-ups might just be the lone pump in Egypt's Qattara Depression. Surrounded by nothing but sand for hundreds of miles, this station is a literal oasis for daring desert explorers. Just don't expect a car wash with your fill-up!


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Isolation Stations: The Most Remote Fill-Ups


Think your local gas station is out of the way? Let me introduce you to some pumps that redefine "middle of nowhere."


Ever heard of the Ruta Transchaco in Paraguay? It's a highway that cuts through the Gran Chaco, a semi-arid wilderness that'd make the Wild West look like Central Park. Gas stations here are more than 100 miles apart. Break down between them, and you might be hitching a ride with a passing armadillo.


For a real taste of isolation, head to Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni. This gas station sits smack in the middle of the world's largest salt flat. Imagine a sea of white stretching as far as the eye can see, broken only by a lonely fuel pump.

It's like fueling up on the moon, minus the aliens (we think).

And if you're really feeling adventurous, try the fill-up near Purnululu National Park in Western Australia. Getting there involves a bone-jarring drive down a dirt track that'd make a kangaroo think twice.


But hey, the view of the striped sandstone domes is worth every bump!



Highway to the Danger Zone: Extreme Road Trip Pit Stops


Road trips are fun, but some routes take "adventure" to a whole new level.


Take the Pan-American Highway in Alaska. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about the Dalton Highway, a 414-mile stretch of road that's mostly gravel and dirt. It's one of the most isolated roads in the US, with only three towns along the entire route.


Fuel stops here are few and far between. The Coldfoot truck stop, sitting at the halfway point, isn't just a gas station – it's a lifeline. It's the last fuel stop for 240 miles heading north, and often the only source of help if things go south (or north, in this case).


What makes these stops so crucial? Well, when you're driving through terrain where temperatures can plummet to -60°F (-51°C) in winter, running out of gas isn't just inconvenient – it can be life-threatening. These pit stops don't just fuel vehicles; they fuel survival.


So next time you're complaining about a long drive between gas stations, just remember: it could be worse. You could be on the Dalton, where the next pump is further away than some people's commute to work!



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Salt and Sky: Fueling in Surreal Landscapes


Sometimes, filling up your tank can feel like stepping onto another planet. Let's revisit one of the most mind-bending fuel stops on Earth.


Remember Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni? It's worth a second look. This gas station sits in the middle of the world's largest salt flat, spanning over 4,000 square miles. Imagine a landscape so flat and white, it's used to calibrate satellites.


During the dry season, the salt crust creates a mirror-like surface that perfectly reflects the sky. It's like fueling up in the clouds! But don't be fooled by the dreamy scenery. This surreal beauty comes with challenges:


  • The intense sunlight reflecting off the salt can be blinding. Sunglasses aren't just fashionable here; they're essential gear.

  • The high altitude (over 11,000 feet above sea level) means less oxygen, which can affect both people and engines.

  • Distances are deceptive. With no landmarks, it's easy to lose your bearings. That lone fuel pump might be your only reference point for miles.


Running this station isn't just a job; it's an otherworldly experience. It's probably the closest thing to operating a gas station on the moon – minus the green cheese, of course!


Surviving the Elements: Adaptations for Extreme Fueling


When Mother Nature throws her worst at you, you've got to get creative. Extreme fuel stations aren't just tough; they're ingenious.


In the Arctic, it's all about battling the freeze:



Meanwhile, in the scorching deserts:


  • Underground storage tanks keep fuel cool and prevent evaporation.

  • Specialized cooling systems ensure pumps don't overheat.

  • Some stations even operate at night to avoid the worst of the heat.


But it's not just about the fuel. These extreme stations often double as mini survival outposts. They stock everything from emergency rations to spare parts. Some even have makeshift accommodations for stranded travelers.


The real MVPs? The staff who operate these stations. They're part mechanic, part meteorologist, and part miracle worker. When you're the only fuel for hundreds of miles, "sorry, we're closed" isn't an option!


Environmental Considerations


Even in the middle of nowhere, Mother Nature is watching. Extreme fuel stations face unique environmental challenges:


  • In fragile desert ecosystems, a single spill can have long-lasting impacts.

  • Arctic stations must contend with permafrost, which can shift and damage underground tanks.

  • Many remote areas lack proper waste disposal facilities, making responsible management crucial.


But it's not all doom and gloom. Innovations are making these stations greener:


  • Solar panels are powering pumps in sun-drenched deserts.

  • Advanced containment systems are minimizing spill risks.

  • Some stations are experimenting with biodegradable lubricants and cleaner-burning fuels.


The goal? To keep adventurers fueled up without fueling environmental damage.


Conclusion: The Future of Extreme Fueling


As we've seen, extreme fuel stations are more than just pumps in weird places. They're lifelines, innovation hubs, and sometimes the only sign of civilization for hundreds of miles.


Looking ahead, these stations face big challenges:

  • Climate change is altering the very landscapes they operate in.

  • The push for electric vehicles might seem threatening, but many remote areas are far from ready for charging stations.

  • Evolving technologies like hydrogen fuel cells could change the game entirely.


But if there's one thing these extreme stations have proven, it's their ability to adapt and survive. As long as there are remote places to explore and adventurous souls to explore them, you can bet there'll be someone out there, ready to fuel those dreams – no matter how extreme the conditions.


So next time you're on a long, lonely road and your gas gauge is dipping low, remember: somewhere out there, there's a pump waiting for you. It might be in the middle of a salt flat, on the edge of the Arctic, or in the heart of a desert, but it's there. And that's pretty darn cool.



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