Industry body flags deceptive packaging in non-standard grammage packs; seeks uniformity for transparency and fair trade.
Leading players in India’s cooking oil sector are urging the central government to enforce litre-based packaging for edible oils, citing widespread consumer confusion caused by non-standard pack sizes, such as 800g, 810g, and 870g, which closely resemble 1-litre pouches in appearance.
In a formal representation to the government, the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) raised concerns about deceptive packaging practices that make it difficult for consumers to accurately compare prices. The industry body noted that the lack of standardized volumes, combined with near-identical pouch designs, often leads to unintentional consumer misjudgment and creates an uneven playing field in the market.
“There is a proliferation of non-standardized oil packs such as 800 grams, 810 grams, 870 grams, etc., which result in consumer confusion and distorted price comparisons,” the SEA stated in its letter. “The absence of clear labelling and uniform packaging volumes compromises transparency and informed consumer choices.”
Angshu Mallick, CEO of AWL Agri Business Ltd., echoed these concerns, saying that consumers are traditionally accustomed to buying cooking oil in litre denominations. “On appearance, the pouches of different grammage look like 1-litre pouches, and hence, the consumer can get cheated,” Mallick warned.
According to SEA, the use of varying pack sizes not only misleads customers but also fosters unhealthy competition among retailers, some of whom may exploit packaging tactics to present lower prices that don’t reflect a full litre of product.
The industry believes that implementing litre-based packaging will establish fair trade practices, restore consumer trust, and bring much-needed standardization to India’s massive edible oil market, which is still grappling with pricing volatility and supply chain challenges.
The government has yet to respond to the request, but the industry hopes that policy intervention will help create a more transparent and consumer-friendly retail environment.