In a major move aimed at improving transparency in the retail market, the Department of Consumer Affairs is examining the possibility of introducing standard pack sizes for edible oils under the Legal Metrology framework. The proposal comes after concerns were raised over the growing number of irregular package quantities being sold in the market, making price comparison difficult for consumers.

The issue was discussed during a high-level stakeholder meeting chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs on May 20, 2026. Representatives from key industry bodies, which together account for nearly 90 per cent of India’s edible oil sector, participated in the consultation.

Among the organisations 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.

Why The Government Is Concerned

Industry representatives informed the department that edible oils are increasingly being sold in unconventional pack sizes such as 650 gm, 700 gm, 810 gm, 850 gm and 870 gm. While the packaging often appears visually similar, the actual quantity differs, making it harder for buyers to accurately compare prices or assess value for money.

Officials believe this trend can potentially mislead consumers, especially amid rising food inflation and changing retail strategies. The move is also being seen as an attempt to tackle concerns linked to “shrinkflation” — a practice where product quantities are reduced without a proportional reduction in price.

Proposed Standard Pack Sizes

To streamline the market, industry associations jointly proposed a set of uniform package sizes for major edible oils. The suggested standard 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 consumed edible oils such as:

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
Relief For Small Consumers, Manufacturers

The industry bodies also suggested several safeguards to ensure that the transition does not hurt consumers or manufacturers.

According to the proposals:

Packs below 200 ml may remain outside the scope of standardisation to ensure continued availability of affordable low-cost packs.
Minor edible oils may be exempted from the proposed norms.
Manufacturers may be given around three months to shift to the new packaging system.
Companies willing to adopt the standard sizes earlier may be allowed to do so voluntarily.
Imported Oils Also Likely To Come Under Norms

The department clarified during the meeting that if standardisation is implemented, the rules would apply equally to domestically manufactured as well as imported edible oils. This is aimed at ensuring a level playing field across the sector.

The Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs stated that the suggestions are currently under examination with the objective of improving transparency, enabling easier price comparison and promoting fair trade practices in the edible oil market.

What It Could Mean For Consumers

If implemented, the move could significantly simplify grocery purchases for households by making it easier to compare prices across brands and pack sizes. Consumer rights experts believe standardisation may also reduce confusion created by visually identical packages carrying different quantities.

The proposal comes at a time when edible oil prices remain a sensitive issue for Indian households, with fluctuations in global supply chains and import costs continuing to influence domestic markets.

The Department of Consumer Affairs said it is continuing consultations and examining all stakeholder feedback before taking a final decision on the policy framework.