The Department of Consumer Affairs is examining a proposal to introduce standard pack sizes for edible oils under the Legal Metrology framework in a major move aimed at improving transparency in the retail market and helping consumers compare prices more easily.
The proposal was discussed during a high-level stakeholder meeting chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs on May 20, 2026. Representatives from leading industry organisations, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of India’s edible oil sector, participated in the consultation.
Among the industry bodies present were the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association, Solvent Extractors’ Association, Soyabean Processors Association of India, Central Organisation for Oil Industry and Trade and Mustard Oil Producers Association.
Government Concerned Over Irregular Pack Sizes
Officials said concerns have grown over the increasing sale of edible oils in unconventional pack sizes such as 650 gm, 700 gm, 810 gm, 850 gm and 870 gm.
Although these packages often appear visually similar, the actual quantity differs, making it difficult for consumers to accurately compare prices and determine value for money.
The government believes such practices may confuse or potentially mislead consumers, particularly at a time when food inflation remains a major concern for households.
The move is also being linked to concerns over “shrinkflation,” where companies reduce product quantity without a proportionate reduction in price.
Standard Pack Sizes Proposed
To bring uniformity to the market, industry bodies jointly proposed a list of standard package sizes for edible oils.
The suggested pack sizes include:
- 200 ml
- 500 ml
- 1 litre
- 2 litres
- 3 litres
- 4 litres
- 5 litres
- 15 litres / 15 kg
- 20 litres / 20 kg
The proposed norms are expected to cover widely used edible oils such as palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil and blended edible oils.
Safeguards Suggested For Consumers And Manufacturers
Industry representatives also proposed several safeguards to ensure that the transition to standardised packaging does not negatively impact consumers or manufacturers.
According to the suggestions, packs below 200 ml may remain outside the scope of standardisation to ensure the continued availability of low-cost affordable packs for consumers.
Minor edible oils may also be exempted from the proposed rules.
Manufacturers could be given around three months to shift to the new packaging system, while companies willing to voluntarily adopt the standard pack sizes earlier may be permitted to do so.
Imported Oils May Also Come Under Rules
The Department of Consumer Affairs clarified that if the proposal is implemented, the rules would apply equally to domestically produced as well as imported edible oils to maintain a level playing field across the market.
Officials stated that the suggestions are currently under examination with the objective of improving transparency, simplifying price comparison and promoting fair trade practices in the edible oil sector.
What The Proposal Means For Consumers
Consumer rights experts believe standardisation could make grocery shopping easier for households by reducing confusion caused by visually similar packs carrying different quantities.
The move may also help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions and improve price transparency across brands.
The proposal comes at a time when edible oil prices continue to remain sensitive due to fluctuations in global supply chains, import costs and international commodity markets.
The government said consultations with stakeholders are ongoing and a final decision on the policy framework will be taken after examining all suggestions and feedback.
