The government is examining the possibility of introducing standard pack sizes for edible oils that could soon end the sale of irregular-sized cooking oil packets in India.
Under the move, edible oil companies may be allowed to sell products only in government-approved standard pack sizes.
“The Department of Consumer Affairs is examining the possibility to introduce standard pack sizes for edible oils under the Legal Metrology framework following suggestions received from major industry associations representing around 90 per cent of the country’s edible oil sector," a statement said.
“A meeting under the chairpersonship of the Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs was held to discuss concerns regarding the increasing number of package sizes available in the market and the resulting difficulties faced by consumers in comparing prices across products," it said.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, companies are expected to get around three months to make changes to packaging systems and supply chains.
At present, edible oil companies have flexibility in packaging sizes under provisions linked to the existing legal metrology framework, allowing brands to sell oils in non-standard quantities such as 850 ml, 900 ml or 4.5 litres.
Under the proposed rules, companies would only be allowed to sell edible oil in fixed standard pack sizes, including 500 ml, 1 litre, 2 litres, 3 litres, 4 litres, 5 litres, 10 litres, 15 litres and 20 litres. Once implemented, several odd-sized edible oil packets currently available in the market could gradually disappear.
Officials believe irregular packaging often creates confusion among buyers while comparing prices across different brands. For example, a customer may compare the price of a 1 litre edible oil pack with a 900 ml pack without immediately noticing the quantity difference.
The proposed packaging changes could impact major edible oil and FMCG companies, including AWL Agri Business, Marico, Patanjali Foods and Emami Agrotech.
Industry players may initially face additional costs linked to packaging modifications, machinery recalibration and logistics adjustments.
An official of the ministry said the new rule will cover major edible oils, including palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil or blended edible oils.
He said packs below 200 ml may continue to remain outside the scope of standardisation to ensure the continued availability of affordable small packs for consumers.
“Minor edible oils may remain exempt from the proposed requirement. Manufacturers willing to adopt the proposed pack sizes earlier may be permitted to do so," the official added.
It was also clarified that the rules would apply equally to both domestically manufactured and imported edible oils.
