The Case of the Missing Millilitres
It’s a familiar scenario for many Indian shoppers: standing in the grocery aisle, trying to decide between two brands of sunflower oil. One is a 910 ml pouch for ₹165, while the other is a 1-litre bottle for ₹180. Which one is the better deal? This confusion
is by design. For years, companies have used a tactic known as 'shrinkflation'—reducing the quantity of a product while keeping the price the same, or only slightly lower. Instead of a standard 1-litre pack, shelves became filled with odd sizes like 850 ml, 900 ml, or even 870 grams. This practice makes it difficult for consumers to compare the true unit cost (the price per litre or per kilogram) and often masks a gradual price increase. While not illegal, as long as the net weight is declared, this strategy effectively hides rising input costs from shoppers who are trying to manage their household budgets.
A New Rulebook for Transparency
In a significant move to protect consumers, the Department of Consumer Affairs has stepped in. In early June 2026, the government announced a mandate to standardise the pack sizes of all major edible oils sold in the country. Manufacturers, packers, and importers have been given a three-month window to phase out non-standard packages and comply with the new norms. The rule applies to widely consumed varieties such as sunflower, soybean, mustard, palm, and groundnut oil. From now on, these oils must be sold in specific, uniform quantities: 200 ml/g, 500 ml/g, 1 litre/kg, 2 litres/kg, 5 litres/kg, and larger bulk packs. Any packages that declare their quantity in volume (litres) must also display the equivalent weight in kilograms, providing another layer of clarity for shoppers.
What This Means for Your Wallet
The impact on your grocery shopping will be immediate and positive. The biggest benefit is the radical simplification of price comparison. With all brands selling oil in standard 1-litre or 5-litre packs, you can instantly see which one offers better value without doing complex mental maths. The confusion caused by dozens of different pack sizes will be eliminated, empowering you to make genuinely informed decisions based on price and quality. This change effectively puts an end to shrinkflation in the edible oil category, as companies can no longer subtly reduce the quantity to manage costs. Any price increase will have to be direct and transparent. The move is expected to foster greater trust between consumers and brands, as the playing field becomes more honest.
Fairer Competition and Key Exemptions
The regulation has been largely welcomed by consumer rights groups and even parts of the industry, who agree it will create a more level playing field. Competition will now be based more on product quality and genuine value rather than clever packaging strategies. However, the government has been careful to ensure the rule doesn't negatively affect affordability for all segments. To this end, packs smaller than 200 ml or 200 grams are exempt from the standardisation requirement. This ensures that low-cost sachets and small packs, which are crucial for many households with tight budgets, remain available in the market. Furthermore, certain 'minor' edible oils are also not covered by this rule, though they must still adhere to other labelling laws.
