In Magura, long queues at petrol stations are prompting women to take an active role in collecting fuel to support their families. The growing trend reflects both high demand for petrol, diesel, and octane, and the willingness of women to ease the strain on male family members.
On Tuesday (31 March), a visit to several stations, including Ma Fatema Filling Station in the Vitasair area, showed farmers, vehicle operators, and motorcyclists waiting in lengthy lines. Amid them, women were seen standing in queues to collect fuel for household and agricultural needs.
Roksana Begum of Katakhali, Sadar Upazila, was waiting with her young child. “My husband works in agriculture,” she said. “Fuel collection often takes hours, sometimes the whole day, which interrupts his work. I have come to take fuel myself to support him.”
Kulsum Begum shared a similar experience. “Standing in line exhausts my husband and affects his health, making it difficult for him to work properly,” she explained. “To help him, I now collect the fuel myself.”
To ensure smooth fuel distribution, each station has been assigned a tag officer. Md. Masud Rana, agricultural officer and tag officer at Ma Fatema Filling Station, confirmed that women who arrived to collect fuel were served promptly to minimise waiting times.
District Commissioner Abdul Al Mahmud stated that there is no actual shortage of fuel in the district. However, global uncertainties have caused farmers and transport operators to stockpile, creating longer queues than usual.
Law enforcement officials are present alongside tag officers to maintain order, and citizens have been urged to remain patient while collecting fuel.
Magura district has a total of 14 petrol stations. Diesel is particularly in demand as farmers require it to operate irrigation pumps during the ongoing rice cultivation season. Authorities have reassured that fuel supply continues to meet demand in order to sustain agricultural activities.
Magura Fuel Supply Overview
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Petrol Stations | 14 |
| High-Demand Fuel | Diesel for irrigation |
| Typical Waiting Time | Several hours up to a full day |
| Supply Condition | Stable, though demand remains high |
| Management Measures | Tag officers and law enforcement supervision |
| Reason for Long Queues | Stockpiling by farmers and transport operators |
The current situation underscores both the logistical pressures on rural fuel infrastructure and the expanding role of women in supporting family livelihoods. By stepping into these responsibilities, women are helping to ensure that agricultural and transport work continues uninterrupted despite the challenges posed by long queues.