Government sets standard pack sizes for cooking oils for clearer price comparison

Government has introduced new rules requiring cooking oil manufacturers and importers to sell their products only in nine standard pack sizes, in a move aimed at improving price transparency and making it easier for consumers to compare brands.

In Short

• Nine standard packaging sizes from 200 millilitres to 20 litres will apply
• Rules cover domestic and imported oils, including palm, soybean, sunflower
• Manufacturers and importers have 3 months to shift to compliant packs

India has ordered cooking oil makers and importers to sell their products only in a fixed set of pack sizes, a move the government said on Saturday would help shoppers compare prices across brands more easily.

The order targets a common pricing tactic in the world's most populous nation, where oils sold in odd, non-standard sizes leave buyers unable to tell which brand offers the best value for a kitchen staple. Here are the details.

Packaging will be limited to nine standard sizes ranging from 200 millilitres to 20 litres, replacing the varied volumes currently available.

The rules apply to both domestically produced and imported edible oils, and cover major varieties including palm, soybean, sunflower, mustard and groundnut.

Companies have been given three months to switch to the new sizes.

Packages that declare their contents by volume must also state the equivalent weight, a step the government said would further aid price comparison.

Containers smaller than 200 millilitres and minor edible oils have been exempted to keep affordable small packs on shelves.

The decision followed consultations with industry associations representing nearly 90% of India's edible oil sector, the Department of Consumer Affairs said.

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