Women capture the oil and grease bastion from men

A fuelling station in New Delhi run by women has won kudos for its quality service and professionalism, and has registered a five-fold increase in the sale of oil since the women took over.

In operation for barely a year, the fuelling station at Shantipath, Moti Bagh, is operated by the state-owned Bharat Petroleum (BP), and the sale of fuel here is considered the highest for any outlet in the country.

There is a constant queue of cars and motorbikes in the driveway of the station in close vicinity of the capital's elite diplomatic area, as motorists using the Ring Road prefer making an extra effort to get quality service.

Explained Suresh Thukral, a regular at the station: "I work in an embassy nearby. And quality service being foremost in mind, I take this route. Of course, I find the girls here are most polite and well trained. And seeing a cheerful face in the morning brightens one's day."

Contrary to what one would believe, the aim of the customers is not to come and gawk at the attendants. "One could say that initially men were in awe of being attended to by women at a fuelling station, but it soon gave way to healthy reasons," said Dipika Alok, Manager, BP, Shantipath. "Customers find them honest, sincere and methodical in their approach."

Apart from Alok, the other two women attending to official work also happen to be women. Finding women staff more responsible than men, Alok asserts: "They are particular about each aspect – like reporting on time, not throwing tantrums and informing in advance when taking a day off. This kind of attitude goes a long way in making a success of any venture."

The fact is that in the beginning, people could not pass by the main road without paying attention to the station. With drivers looking at the girls, it resulted in a number of small accidents. The young girls giggle on recalling such incidents. But nevertheless, feel the purpose of employing them is not to increase the sales or, in other words, exploiting them.

"We are here because we enjoy the work culture," says Meenakshi. "It is my first job, but as of now, I would not like to exchange it for anything." She has her parents' consent to work in the fuel station. They have visited the place and feel proud to see their daughter having captured the oil and grease bastion from men.

The fuelling station recently underwent a facelift in keeping with the norms of the fashion world. The attendants are seen donning uniforms, keeping the needs of the petrol station in mind. Blue trousers, yellow and multi-coloured T-shirts, blue caps and a yellow waist bag to keep payments – they find the attire extremely comfortable and smart.

All 22 young women called Driveway Sales Women (DSW), go about their work with precision. Having undergone training under BP for the job, their work does not merely involve filling vehicles with fuel. Checking the air pressure in tyres, engine oil level, changing deflated tyres and aligning the wheels are a part of their routine.

The girls are all educated – some graduates while others have passed the Higher Secondary examination. "A few attend evening college and are motivated into studying further as it certainly helps in dealing with customers," the manager said. The women, working in two shifts from 6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10am, come from neighbouring areas.

According to Alok, the station also provides conveyance for travel early in the morning and at night. With 12 girls in one shift, the duties rotate.

The outlet that earlier sold 3,000 litres of oil a day, today has an increased sale of 10,000 litres a day. The wages are Rs118 per day, and it has given equal opportunity to women to get employment in a male dominated profession.

Some girls admitted being apprehensive about the job initially, but soon became accustomed to it. Besides thinking that the job might be a little too technical, they were also sceptical of the security aspect. Two policemen each guard all BP outlets.

With the capital having become a nightmare for women, have the girls ever heard any lewd remarks or faced any untoward incidents while at work? "I have been here for a year, but no customer has ever tried to misbehave with any of us. And they dare not," Meenakshi said. "We all know judo, karate and are capable of defending ourselves."

The women recently underwent a training programme conducted by the Delhi Police on self-defence techniques. Says Alok: "I have been working with BP for the past 20 years. And being with an all-women team is my first experience. But nonetheless, the most satisfying. It's good to see the success of the station, which I attribute to the honesty of the girls and friendly behaviour with the customers."