Telangana Women Launch Nation’s First Female-Run Fuel Station

In a groundbreaking initiative, women in Telangana have launched the country’s first fuel station managed entirely by a female federation. Located in Narayanpet district, the petrol station has become a symbol of empowerment and a source of pride for the local community. The initiative, which began six months ago, has already turned a profit of ₹13.82 lakh within its first half-year of operations.

Seelam Chandrakala, 31, is at the helm of this pioneering venture. Previously confined to a life of limited opportunities, she now serves as the manager of the fuel station, which was inaugurated on February 21, 2023, by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Chandrakala recalls the skepticism they faced: “Many questioned if we could run a petrol pump, but we wanted to show them that we could succeed.”

The fuel station operates under the auspices of the Zilla Mahila Samakhya (ZMS), a federation of self-help groups (SHGs) comprising over 91,000 women. The decision to establish the petrol station was sparked by an idea from then Collector Koya Sree Harsha during a ZMS Executive Council meeting. With an investment of ₹1.3 crore, the project is facilitated by a 20-year lease agreement with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).

Chandrakala’s personal journey reflects the broader transformation taking place in the region. With her husband earning between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 per month as a mason, her salary of ₹18,000 allows them to provide a stable home for their son, ensuring he can continue his education without interruption. “With this job, we are leading a comfortable life,” she states.

Empowering Local Women Through Collective Action

The petrol station has created employment opportunities for other women in the community, such as G. Soni, 28, who previously worked as a daily wage labourer earning between ₹400 and ₹500 per day. Soni now operates the fuel dispensers and appreciates the stability her new role provides. “Now my fortune has changed. I have a steady job and a decent income,” she says.

Another employee, Ch. Sunitha, 24, transitioned from a low-paying teaching job to earning ₹13,000 a month at the fuel station. She expresses enthusiasm for her new role, saying, “I enjoy interacting with different kinds of people at the fuel station.”

The ZMS federation plays a crucial role in this transformation, with a structure that supports women’s entrepreneurship. Performance is monitored every 15 days by the District Collector to ensure transparency and accountability. Currently, the petrol station employs 11 staff members, seven of whom are women from SHGs.

Chandrakala emphasizes the impact of their collective strength, noting, “To those who ridiculed us, we wanted to show that we could succeed. Today, we are managing the petrol pump well and creating employment for other SHG women.”

Setting a Precedent for Future Initiatives

The success of this women-run fuel station has garnered attention, and plans are in motion to establish additional petrol pumps in Telangana, including one at Kosgi and another at Makthal. District Rural Development Officer Mogulappa sees this initiative as a model for rural development, stating, “We plan to establish one-megawatt solar units at both sites, enhancing sustainability.”

The ZMS initiative is part of a broader strategy under the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), which aims to expand women’s roles in various sectors. SERP Chief Executive Officer Divya Devarajan highlights the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our SHG women will soon be venturing into solar power,” with plans to set up solar plants across districts.

These developments mark a significant shift in the socio-economic landscape, as the collective of women not only generates income but also gains respect and visibility within their communities. Their success story is inspiring similar initiatives in other regions, encouraging women to explore business avenues traditionally dominated by men.

As Chandrakala and her colleagues operate the fuel station, they are not merely dispensing fuel; they are fueling a movement of empowerment and change in Telangana. Their story underscores the potential for women to redefine roles and drive economic growth in rural areas, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future.