The Problem of Odd-Sized Packs
For years, shoppers have been navigating a marketplace filled with an array of non-standard edible oil packages. Brands used varying quantities like 870 grams, 910 ml, or 1.1 litres as a competitive tactic. This practice, known as shrinkflation or strategic
sizing, made it nearly impossible for a regular consumer to make a quick, like-for-like price comparison. A bottle that seemed cheaper at first glance was often more expensive per unit of oil. This lack of uniformity served to confuse buyers, who couldn't easily determine which product offered better value for money. The result was a retail environment where comparing the true cost of sunflower oil from one brand to another required mental gymnastics or a calculator, a task few have time for during a routine grocery run.
New Rules for a Fairer Market
To address this consumer issue, the Department of Consumer Affairs has amended the Legal Metrology framework, reintroducing mandatory standard pack sizes for major edible oils. The new regulations apply to both domestically produced and imported oils, including popular varieties like palm, soybean, sunflower, mustard, and groundnut oil. Manufacturers, packers, and importers have been directed to phase out non-standard packs and adhere to a specific list of permitted sizes. This decision was made after extensive consultations with industry bodies representing nearly 90% of the country's edible oil sector, signalling a broad consensus on the need for change. By early September 2026, all major edible oils on store shelves should be in these new, uniform packages.
The Standard Sizes Explained
Under the revised rules, edible oils must now be sold in a limited set of quantities. The approved sizes are 200 ml/g, 500 ml/g, 1 litre/kg, 2 litres/kg, 3 litres/kg, 4 litres/kg, and 5 litres/kg, with larger wholesale packs of 15 and 20 litres/kg also included. This means that odd quantities like 850 grams or 950 ml will no longer be permitted for these major oils. However, the rule provides some flexibility. To ensure affordable options remain available, especially for low-income households, packages smaller than 200 ml or 200 grams are exempt from these standardisation norms. Additionally, minor or less common edible oils are also not covered by this specific requirement.
Your New Superpower: Easy Unit Price Comparison
The single biggest benefit of this change is the power it gives you to compare unit prices instantly. The unit price is the cost per standard unit, such as price per litre or price per kilogram. With standardised packs, this comparison becomes effortless. For example, if Brand A’s 1-litre bottle costs ₹180 and Brand B’s 1-litre bottle costs ₹185, the choice is clear. You no longer have to calculate whether a 910 ml bottle for ₹170 is a better deal than a 1-litre bottle for ₹185. The standardisation eliminates that confusion, allowing you to directly compare the shelf prices of competing products of the same size. The rules also mandate that packages declaring volume must state the equivalent weight, further boosting transparency.
How to Be a Smarter Oil Shopper
As these changes roll out, here’s how you can make the most of them. First, always compare products of the same standard size. Look at the 1-litre options from all available brands and choose the one that best fits your budget and quality preference. Second, be aware that for the next few months, some older, non-standard stock might still be on shelves. Check the packaging to see the quantity clearly. If you see two different-sized bottles, focus on the unit sale price if it's displayed on the shelf tag. Finally, remember that this standardisation levels the playing field, forcing brands to compete more directly on price and quality rather than on confusing packaging. This puts you, the consumer, in a much stronger position to make an informed decision.
