Government Examines Standard Pack Sizes for Edible Oils to Improve Price Transparency

The Department of Consumer Affairs is examining the possibility of introducing standard pack sizes for edible oils under the Legal Metrology framework, following suggestions from major industry associations representing nearly 90 percent of India’s edible oil sector.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by the Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, on May 20, 2026, with representatives from key edible oil industry bodies. The discussions focused on concerns over the growing number of package sizes in the market, which often make it difficult for consumers to compare prices and make informed purchasing decisions.

Representatives from the Indian Vegetable Producers Association (IVPA), Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA), Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA), Central Organisation for Oil Industry and Trade (COOIT), and Mustard Oil Producers Association (MOPA) participated in the meeting.

Industry representatives informed the Department that edible oils are currently sold in several package quantities, such as 650 grams, 700 grams, 810 grams, 850 grams, and 870 grams. According to the associations, similar-looking packs with varying quantities can potentially mislead consumers and complicate price comparisons.

To address the issue, the Department and industry representatives jointly discussed introducing standard pack sizes for major edible oils. The suggested standard pack sizes include 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre, 2 litres, 3 litres, 4 litres, 5 litres, 15 litres/15 kg, and 20 litres/20 kg.

The associations also proposed that the standardization framework should cover major edible oils, including palm oil, palm olein, soybean oil, sunflower oil, mustard or rapeseed oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, and blended edible oils.

At the same time, the industry suggested that packs below 200 ml should remain outside the scope of standardization to ensure the continued availability of affordable small packs for consumers. Minor edible oils may also be exempted from the proposed requirement.

The associations further recommended a transition period of around three months to allow manufacturers to make necessary adjustments in packaging and supply chains. They also suggested that manufacturers willing to adopt the proposed pack sizes earlier should be allowed to do so.

During the meeting, it was clarified that any such requirement, if implemented, would apply equally to both domestically manufactured and imported edible oils.

The Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, observed that the suggestions received from industry associations are being examined to improve transparency, simplifying price comparisons for consumers, and promoting fair trade practices in the market.

The Department stated that it is reviewing the views and recommendations received during the consultation process and remains committed to strengthening consumer protection and ensuring greater transparency in the marketplace through balanced and practical policy measures.