IVPA urges reinstatement of standardised edible oil packaging
Standardised packaging ensures price comparisons are simple, thereby creating a level playing field for both consumers and producers
The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA), the apex body representing India’s edible oil refining industry, urges the Government to reinstate standardised pack sizes for edible oils—an important step to ensure transparency, restore normalcy in the market, and protect consumer interest.
The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2021, mandated the declaration of the Unit Sale Price (USP). Subsequently, through an amendment, the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2022, omitted Schedule II, which mandated commodities to be packed in specific quantities, thus allowing the market to proliferate with non-standardised packaging. The intended benefit was to allow producers to pack as they deem it fit and it was expected that soon the markets would settle down and consumer awareness of unit selling price would take care of the non-standard pack offerings.
However, consumers are now faced with a plethora of brands and pack options that look similar but differ in quantity, leading to confusion and, at times, a misleading value perception. Even with the presence of unit sale prices (USP), small differences in net weight often go unnoticed, reducing the effectiveness of this safeguard in everyday decision-making.
Edible oil is a household essential, and packaging should communicate clearly and consistently. Standardised packaging ensures that price comparisons are simple, transparent, and fair. It creates a level playing field for both consumers and producers, encouraging trust and long-term brand value.
IVPA urges that reinstating standard pack sizes (A range like 5kg, 2kg, 1 kg, 500 grams, 200 grams or any other lower size packs) will be a constructive step toward strengthening the consumer ecosystem. It aligns with the Government’s broader goals of transparency, fair trade practices and consumer empowerment.