IVPA calls on Indian Government to reinstate standardized pack sizes for edible oils

INDIA – The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) has formally requested the government to reinstate standardized packaging sizes for edible oils, citing growing concerns over market volatility, consumer confusion, and declining transparency.

In a recent statement, IVPA emphasized that the current regulatory environment, following amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, has led to a proliferation of non-standard pack sizes in the edible oil segment.

The association believes that restoring fixed packaging formats will bring much-needed clarity and consistency to the market, ultimately safeguarding consumer interests.

The issue stems from changes introduced in the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2021, which required all packaged commodities to display the Unit Sale Price (USP).

This move aimed to empower consumers to make better value comparisons, regardless of packaging variations.

However, a subsequent amendment in 2022 removed Schedule II from the rules, which had previously mandated that certain essential commodities, including edible oils, be sold only in specific standard quantities.

This regulatory change gave producers the flexibility to introduce products in any pack size, from fractional liters to odd volumes, hoping that the unit sale price declaration would suffice to guide consumer choices.

While the intention was to promote competition and allow greater innovation in packaging, the result has been a surge in irregular and sometimes confusing pack sizes, making it difficult for consumers to compare prices effectively or understand what offers the best value.

According to IVPA, this shift has disrupted the long-standing norms of the edible oil market and undermined consumer trust.

The association argues that standardization improves market discipline and makes it easier to enforce regulations, detect unfair trade practices, and maintain pricing transparency.

“The lack of uniformity in pack sizes has opened the door to misleading pricing tactics and inconsistent consumer experiences,” the statement read.

“Restoring standard pack sizes will go a long way in bringing normalcy to the sector and ensuring that consumers are not at a disadvantage.”

IVPA has appealed to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to reconsider the 2022 amendment and reintroduce a regulated edible packaging framework.

With edible oils being a household staple across India, the association maintains that standardization is essential for building a fair, transparent, and consumer-friendly marketplace.

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