The Department of Consumer Affairs is examining the possibility to introduce standard pack sizes for edible oils under the Legal Metrology framework following suggestions received from major industry associations representing around 90 per cent of the country's edible oil sector.

A meeting under the chairpersonship of the Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs was held on 20 May 2026 with representatives of major edible oil industry associations to discuss concerns regarding the increasing number of package sizes available in the market and the resulting difficulties faced by consumers in comparing prices across products.

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. The associations informed that they collectively represent around 90 per cent of the edible oil sector in the country.

During the meeting, industry representatives pointed out that edible oils are currently sold in several package quantities such as 650 g, 700 g, 810 g, 850 g and 870 g. They stated that similar-looking packs with different quantities can make it potentially misleading to compare prices and make informed choices.

The Department jointly discussed the introduction of standard pack sizes for major edible oils.

The pack sizes suggested by the associations are:

· 200 ml

· 500 ml

· 1 litre

· 2 litres

· 3 litres

· 4 litres

· 5 litres

· 15 litres/15 kg

· 20 litres/20 kg

Associations jointly requested for covering major edible oils,

· Palm oil/Palm olein

· Soybean oil

· Sunflower oil

· Mustard/Rapeseed oil

· Groundnut oil

· Sesame oil

· Rice bran oil

· Cottonseed oil

· Corn oil

· Blended edible oils

Suggestions By the Association:

· Packs below 200 ml may continue to remain outside the scope of standardisation to ensure the continued availability of affordable small packs for consumers.

· Minor edible oils may remain exempt from the proposed requirement.

· A transition period of approximately three months may be provided to enable manufacturers to make the necessary adjustments.

· Manufacturers willing to adopt the proposed pack sizes earlier may be permitted to do so.

It was clarified during the meeting that any such requirement, if introduced, 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, make price comparison easier for consumers and support fair trade practices.

The Department of Consumer Affairs is examining the views received during the consultation and remains committed to strengthening consumer protection and ensuring transparency in the marketplace through balanced and practical policy measures.

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RT/ ARC

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