New Edible Oil Rules: Only Approved Pack Sizes to Be Sold for Mustard, Sunflower, Soybean & Other Cooking Oils

The Centre has moved to standardise edible oil packaging across the country, directing manufacturers and marketers to adopt only approved pack sizes within the next three months. The move is aimed at improving price transparency, simplifying product comparisons for consumers and eliminating the widespread use of unconventional pack sizes that have long caused confusion in the retail market.

Government Mandates Standard Pack Sizes for Edible Oils

The Department of Consumer Affairs has amended the existing packaging norms under the Legal Metrology framework, introducing a uniform set of pack sizes for edible oils sold across India. Once the transition period ends, companies will no longer be allowed to market edible oils in irregular quantities such as 650 grams, 810 grams or other non-standard pack sizes that have increasingly become common on store shelves.

From Palm Oil to Sunflower, Soyabean or Mustard Oil: All Major Edible Oils Covered Under New Rules

Under the revised norms, standard pack sizes have been notified for major edible oils, including palm oil, palmolein, soybean oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil, rapeseed oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil and various blended edible oils.

What Are the New Approved Sizes for Edible Oil Packaging?

To streamline packaging practices, the government has approved a limited set of standard pack sizes for edible oils. These will cover both retail and bulk consumption categories, with pack sizes beginning at 200 grams/ml and extending up to 20 kilograms/litres.

The government has, however, exempted small packs below 200 grams or 200 millilitres from these restrictions, allowing manufacturers greater flexibility in low-volume packaging.

Odd-Sized Packs to Disappear After Three Months

Manufacturers have been given a three-month window to align their packaging and clear existing inventories. After this period, non-standard pack sizes will effectively disappear from the market.

Officials believe the change will make it easier for consumers to compare prices across brands and products, reducing the possibility of misleading perceptions created by unconventional packaging quantities. The standardisation is also expected to improve transparency in retail pricing and strengthen consumer protection.

The decision comes at a time when edible oil remains one of India's most important food commodities. Demand for cooking oils has continued to rise steadily, driven by population growth and changing consumption patterns.

According to industry data, India's edible oil consumption increased from 24.6 million tonnes in 2020-21 to 28.9 million tonnes in 2022-23. The country's dependence on imports also remains substantial, with edible oil imports rising 3% year-on-year to 16.65 million tonnes in 2025-26, according to figures released by the Solvent Extractors' Association of India.

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