Responding to long-standing demands from the All-India Edible Oil Traders Federation, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs is expected to soon issue a notification restoring standardised packaging sizes for edible oils, a move aimed at improving transparency and protecting consumers from misleading pack formats.
According to Shankar Thakkar, President of the Federation, the government had removed standard quantity restrictions such as 250g, 500g, 1 kg and 1 litre packs with effect from January 1, 2023, to provide greater flexibility to manufacturers. However, the decision led to the proliferation of non-standard pack sizes such as 810g, 840g, 850g and 880ml, creating confusion among consumers and making price comparisons difficult.
The Federation argued that several companies began using unconventional pack sizes that appeared similar to traditional packs, potentially misleading consumers regarding the actual quantity being purchased. Industry representatives also pointed out that edible oils are often declared in millilitres without reference to temperature, despite the fact that oil volume can expand or contract with temperature changes.
In a communication to the government, Thakkar stated that a measure originally intended to provide manufacturers with greater freedom had instead resulted in practices that could confuse consumers. He further noted that manufacturers adhering to conventional and transparent packaging standards were being placed at a competitive disadvantage.
Taking note of these concerns, the Department of Consumer Affairs has reportedly decided to restore standard pack sizes under the Legal Metrology framework. The move is expected to bring greater uniformity to the market, simplify consumer decision-making and improve transparency in pricing.
Sources indicate that once the notification is issued, edible oil manufacturers and millers will be provided a 90-day transition period to exhaust existing packaging inventory and align production systems with the revised norms.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the expected decision, stating that the return of standardised packaging will help strengthen consumer confidence, facilitate easier price comparisons and create a more level playing field for all market participants.