Manufacturers, importers and packers have been given three months to phase out irregular pack sizes as the Centre seeks to improve pricing transparency and consumer awareness
The Centre has reinstated standard pack-size norms for major edible oils, directing manufacturers, importers and packers to comply with the revised rules within three months. The move seeks to eliminate irregular pack sizes that industry bodies and consumer groups say have made price comparisons difficult and created confusion among buyers.
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) issued an advisory on Friday amending the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for determining net quantity and standard pack sizes under the Legal Metrology framework.
The revised norms cover major edible oils, including palm oil, palmolein, soybean oil, sunflower oil, mustard and rapeseed oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil and blended edible oils.
Under the new framework, edible oils can be sold in standard pack sizes of 200 gram, 500 gram, 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg, 4 kg, 5 kg, 15 kg and 20 kg. Corresponding volume-based packs have been prescribed at 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre, 2 litre, 3 litre, 4 litre, 5 litre, 15 litre and 20 litre. Packs below 200 gram or 200 ml will remain exempt from the standardisation requirement.
As a result, non-standard pack sizes such as 650 gram, 700 gram, 810 gram, 850 gram and 870 gram will be phased out over the next three months.
The decision follows a stakeholder meeting chaired by Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare on 20 May, where industry representatives agreed on restoring standard pack sizes to improve transparency and consumer awareness.
Industry Backs Move
Industry associations and consumer rights groups have welcomed the decision, saying it addresses concerns that emerged after pack-size norms were relaxed in 2023.
According to Sudhakar Desai, President, Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA), the earlier relaxation was intended to provide flexibility to the industry. However, the move led to a rapid increase in unconventional pack sizes, creating confusion in the market.
“This move will restore structural sanity to retail shelves and level the playing field,” Desai said.
Ashim Sanyal, Chief Executive, Consumer Voice, said the standardisation would help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
“Standardizing edible oil pack sizes is a consumer-friendly step because it makes it easier for buyers to compare prices and understand the actual value of the product they are purchasing. The proliferation of odd-sized packs had made price comparisons difficult and often led to confusion at the retail level,” said Sanyal.
The advisory clarified that minor edible oils not included in the list of major oils will continue to remain exempt from mandatory pack-size requirements. However, they must comply with unit sale price disclosure norms under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
Rising Consumption
Edible oil remains one of India’s most important food commodities, with the country heavily dependent on imports to meet domestic demand. Consumption increased from 24.6 million tonne in 2020-21 to 28.9 million tonne in 2022-23. Meanwhile, edible oil imports rose 3 per cent to 16.65 million tonne in 2025-26, according to data from the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India.
A 2024 report by Niti Aayog found that India’s per-capita edible oil consumption has nearly doubled over the past two decades to about 19.7 kg annually. According to TechSci Research, the domestic edible oil market, valued at USD 4.39 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 6.49 billion by 2030.
The restoration of standard pack sizes is expected to improve pricing transparency, simplify consumer decision-making and create a more uniform retail environment across the edible oil market.
