Govt targets edible oil pack confusion with new norms

Proposed standard pack sizes aim to improve price transparency, strengthen consumer trust and support fair competition

The government is preparing to introduce norms for standardising edible oil pack sizes, a move that industry leaders believe will improve consumer transparency, simplify price comparisons and create a level playing field for manufacturers.

  The proposed measure seeks to address the growing use of non-standard pack sizes such as 850 ml, 875 ml, 900 ml and 950 ml, which often make it difficult for consumers to compare prices across brands on a per-litre basis.

  The initiative forms part of the government's broader push towards consumer protection, transparent labelling and sustainable packaging practices. Industry executives have welcomed the move, saying standardised pack sizes will allow consumers to make better-informed purchasing decisions and encourage competition based on product quality, purity and value rather than packaging variations.

  Vivek Puri, Managing Director of Puri Oil Mills Ltd, which markets the P Mark mustard oil brand, said consumers deserve clear and comparable pricing. According to him, standard pack sizes would make product comparisons easier and strengthen trust in packaged edible oils. 

The industry has long argued that varying pack sizes can create confusion at retail outlets, making it difficult for buyers to assess the actual value of products. 

  Standardisation is expected to remove this complexity and improve transparency across one of India's largest food categories.  

  Apart from consumer benefits, industry stakeholders also see environmental advantages. Multiple pack sizes require different bottle moulds, labels and packaging formats, increasing supply-chain complexity and material consumption.

  Standardised packaging could help streamline production processes, reduce operational inefficiencies and minimise unnecessary plastic usage. 

Manufacturers believe this would support the government's sustainability goals while improving efficiency across the edible oil value chain. 

  Industry observers say the proposed reform could bring greater accountability and fairness to the market by ensuring that brands compete on equal terms. The government is yet to formally notify the new norms.