India urged to restore standard edible oil pack sizes amid growing market confusion

The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) has called on the government to reinstate standardized packaging sizes for edible oils, citing increasing consumer confusion and misleading practices. The appeal was formally submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, with support from several industry associations.

Until January 1, 2023, India enforced fixed packaging norms for edible oils, including standard sizes such as 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre, and 5 litres. These rules ensured price transparency and allowed consumers to easily compare products. However, after the government relaxed these requirements, manufacturers were given flexibility in pack sizes, alongside a mandate to display unit pricing.

According to SOPA, the reform has not delivered the intended results. Retail shelves are now filled with nearly identical-looking packages that contain different quantities — for example, 880 ml and 910 ml packs. Smaller packs often appear cheaper at first glance, even though their per-litre cost is higher, leading to misleading purchase decisions.

Another concern is the lack of clarity in volume declarations. Some manufacturers label products in millilitres without specifying temperature conditions, despite the fact that edible oils expand and contract with heat. This makes accurate product comparison more difficult for consumers.

SOPA also warns that the current regulatory environment has created an uneven competitive landscape. Companies maintaining transparent and standardized pack sizes are losing market share to those using non-standard quantities to create a perception of lower prices. As a result, even compliant players are being pushed toward adopting similar practices.

The association argues that unit price labeling alone is insufficient, as most consumers do not calculate per-unit costs during routine shopping. SOPA has urged the government to urgently restore standardized pack sizes and introduce a transition period for manufacturers. A market survey highlights the scale of the issue, with dozens of non-standard pack sizes — ranging from 350 g to 970 g — now widely available, reflecting a fragmented marketplace.

Tags: India, edible oils