India Edible Oil Packaging Rules: SOPA Urges Government to Restore Standard Pack Sizes

05 May 2026, New Delhi: The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA), the apex national body representing India’s soybean processing industry, has formally written to the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, urging immediate action to restore standardised packaging quantities for edible oils.

This communication follows a joint memorandum submitted by five national edible oil industry associations and draws the government’s attention to widespread consumer confusion and misleading practices that have emerged since the relaxation of pack size regulations in January 2023.

From Standardisation to Market Distortion

Prior to 1 January 2023, edible oil packaging in India was governed by standard net quantity norms. Manufacturers were required to sell oils in fixed pack sizes such as 250 ml/g, 500 ml/g, 1 litre/kg, and 5 litre/kg. This ensured pricing transparency and enabled consumers to easily compare products, while maintaining a level playing field among manufacturers.

From 1 January 2023, the government removed these standard quantity restrictions to provide greater flexibility to manufacturers and consumers. As part of this reform, it also mandated the declaration of “unit sale price” (price per gram or millilitre) on packaging to facilitate informed consumer choice.

However, according to SOPA, the outcome has diverged significantly from the intended objective.

Similar Packs, Different Quantities

In many cases, packaging appears identical in size and design but contains varying quantities. For example, pouches of 880 ml and 910 ml may look nearly identical on retail shelves. The lower-priced 880 ml pack often appears more attractive to consumers making quick purchase decisions based on visual cues and price alone. In reality, the per-litre cost of the smaller pack is higher.

Such practices, SOPA argues, are widespread and systematically misleading.

Another concern relates to brands declaring volume in millilitres without specifying temperature conditions. Since edible oils expand and contract with temperature, one litre at 30°C does not equal one litre at 40°C in terms of mass. Without a temperature reference, consumers lack a reliable basis for comparison.

Impact on Fair Competition

SOPA highlights that the current regulatory environment has created an uneven competitive landscape. Manufacturers that continue to offer standard, transparent pack sizes are losing market share to those leveraging non-standard sizes to create a perception of lower prices.

As a result, even compliant and transparent companies are being compelled to adopt non-standard and potentially misleading pack sizes to remain competitive, leading to a broader decline in consumer transparency across the industry.

In its communication, SOPA stated that a policy intended to provide “freedom of choice” has effectively resulted in “freedom to mislead.”

Limitations of Unit Sale Price Disclosure

While some stakeholders argue that mandatory unit pricing eliminates the need for standardisation, SOPA strongly contests this view.

In practice, most retail consumers do not calculate per-unit costs while shopping. Unit prices are often displayed in small fonts, expressed in paise (e.g., 24.72 paise per ml), and include decimal values that are not easily interpreted. Given the fast-paced nature of retail purchasing, visual appearance and absolute price tend to dominate buying decisions.

Thus, while unit pricing may be theoretically sound, SOPA considers it ineffective in practical consumer scenarios.

SOPA’s Recommendations to the Government

In its letter dated 29 April 2026 to the Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, SOPA highlighted specific instances of market distortion. It cited an example of a single edible oil brand offering its product in 19 different pack sizes, many of which appear identical but differ in quantity by as little as 25–50 grams.

The association has reiterated the industry’s joint recommendation to immediately reinstate standardised packaging quantities. It has also requested that the government allow a reasonable transition period for manufacturers to adjust production systems and clear existing packaging inventories, thereby avoiding operational disruptions.

Market Reality: Lack of Uniformity

A market survey of 40 edible oil brands further underscores the issue. Retail shelves currently display a wide range of non-standard pack sizes, including 350 g, 375 g, 400 g, 440 g, 750 g, 800 g, 810 g, 840 g, 850 g, 870 g, 880 ml, 900 ml, 910 g, and 970 g, among others.

Under current regulations, manufacturers are permitted to use virtually any quantity, resulting in a fragmented and inconsistent marketplace.

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