Centre Plans Standardized Edible Oil Pack Sizes to Improve Consumer Transparency

The Central Department of Consumer Affairs has initiated efforts to regulate edible oil packaging sizes in order to protect consumer interests and improve transparency in the market. The government is considering introducing standardized pack sizes under Legal Metrology rules for edible oils sold across the country. A high-level meeting chaired by the Consumer Affairs Secretary was held on May 20, 2026, with major industry associations representing nearly 90 percent of India’s edible oil sector. Representatives from IVPA, SEA, SOPA, COOIT, and MOPA participated in the discussions.

Industry representatives highlighted that edible oils are currently being sold in irregular pack sizes such as 650 grams, 700 grams, 810 grams, 850 grams, and 870 grams, making price comparison difficult for consumers. To address this issue, the associations proposed standard pack sizes including 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre, 2 litres, 3 litres, 4 litres, 5 litres, and bulk packs of 15 and 20 litres or kilograms. The proposed rules are expected to cover palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, and blended oils. Industry bodies also requested exemptions for packs below 200 ml and sought a three-month transition period for implementation. The government clarified that the rules would apply equally to domestically produced and imported edible oils.