Women Queue to Support Family Fuel Needs

In the district of Magura, women have increasingly begun queuing at local filling stations to ease the burden on their families caused by long waiting times for fuel. The trend reflects both the rising demand for petrol, diesel, and octane, and the active role women are taking to support agricultural and transport work.

On Tuesday (31 March), visits to several fuel stations, including the Ma Fatema Filling Station in Vitasair area, revealed long lines of farmers, vehicle operators, and motorcyclists. Amid these queues, women were also seen collecting fuel to assist their families.

Roksana Begum, a resident of Katakhali in Sadar Upazila, was spotted waiting in line with her child. She explained, “My husband works in agriculture. Collecting fuel often takes a long time, sometimes an entire day, which disrupts his work. I have come to take fuel myself to support him.”

Similarly, Kulsum Begum described the impact of long waits on her husband’s health. “Standing in line for hours makes him unwell, affecting his ability to work. I now collect the fuel to ensure our agricultural activities continue smoothly,” she said.

Authorities have taken steps to manage the situation. Each fuel station has a designated tag officer to supervise distribution and maintain order. Md. Masud Rana, officer in charge at Ma Fatema Filling Station and agricultural officer of Sadar Upazila, stated that women were given priority where possible to reduce their waiting time.

District Commissioner Abdul Al Mahmud confirmed that there is no shortage of fuel in Magura. However, fears caused by global market uncertainties have led farmers and vehicle operators to stockpile fuel, resulting in long queues.

Law enforcement personnel have also been deployed alongside tag officers to ensure orderly distribution. Citizens are urged to remain patient and collect fuel in an organised manner.

The district has a total of 14 petrol stations. Observations show that diesel demand is particularly high, as farmers require it to operate irrigation pumps for the ongoing rice cultivation season. Authorities emphasise that continuous fuel supply is being maintained to ensure agricultural activities proceed without disruption.

Fuel Supply and Demand in Magura

This situation highlights both the pressure on fuel infrastructure and the growing involvement of women in supporting family livelihoods, ensuring that agricultural and transport activities continue efficiently despite logistical challenges.