The Problem of Odd Sizes
For years, shoppers in India faced a confusing landscape when buying cooking oil. While some brands sold oil in standard one-litre or 500-ml packs, many others used non-standard sizes like 810 ml, 900 grams, or even 870 grams. This practice, which became
widespread after regulations were relaxed in 2023, made it nearly impossible for a regular consumer to make a quick and fair price comparison between two different brands on a supermarket shelf. A pack might seem cheaper at first glance, but a closer look at the unit price would often reveal it was more expensive. This created a market where packaging, rather than value, could mislead buyers. Industry groups pointed out that this led to widespread consumer confusion and gave an unfair advantage to companies using these unconventional sizes.
A New Rule for Clarity
In a significant move to protect consumers, the Department of Consumer Affairs has reintroduced standardised packaging for edible oils. Following consultations with industry associations, the government amended the Legal Metrology framework to mandate specific pack sizes. Under the new rules announced in early June 2026, major edible oils—including sunflower, mustard, soybean, palm, and groundnut oil—can now only be sold in prescribed quantities. These standard sizes are 200ml/g, 500ml/g, 1 litre/kg, 2 litres/kg, 3 litres/kg, 4 litres/kg, 5 litres/kg, and larger commercial packs. This directive applies to both domestically produced and imported oils, creating a level playing field. Manufacturers, packers, and importers have been given a three-month transition period to comply with the new norms.
How This Empowers You
The single biggest benefit of this standardisation is making price comparison simple and transparent. When all brands are selling oil in a one-litre pack, you can instantly see which one offers better value without doing any mental math. The new rules also strengthen the existing requirement for displaying a unit sale price (e.g., price per litre or per kg). Previously, comparing the unit price of a 910 ml bottle to a one-litre bottle was cumbersome. Now, a like-for-like comparison becomes effortless. This change ensures that competition is based on product quality and genuine price, not on confusing packaging strategies. For the average household, this means more informed purchasing decisions and the ability to accurately assess which brand truly fits the budget.
What to Look for Now
As these changes roll out over the next few months, you will start seeing fewer odd-sized packs on the shelves. When shopping for edible oil, your task is now much simpler. Look for the standard one-litre, two-litre, or five-litre packs. Furthermore, the rules mandate that if a pack shows its quantity in volume (millilitres), it must also declare the equivalent weight in grams or kilograms. This adds another layer of transparency. The most powerful tool at your disposal remains the unit price, which will now be much easier to use for direct comparisons. Small packs under 200 ml or 200 grams are exempt from this rule to ensure that affordable, smaller quantities remain available to consumers. So, for larger purchases, the power to compare is now firmly in your control.
