Kolkata: Edible oil companies are advising consumers to check pack quantities before purchasing cooking oil, following the Centre’s directive to standardize packaging for the category. Companies must comply with the new norms by September 1.
New Packaging Standards for Edible Oils
The Union consumer affairs ministry has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for edible oil after receiving complaints from consumers and companies about varying quantities across brands, especially in packs commonly perceived as “1 litre” pouches. While the actual quantity is usually printed on the back of the pack, most consumers do not check it.
Under the new norms, standard pack sizes have been prescribed for major edible oils and blended edible oils. The move aims to help consumers compare prices across brands more easily and assess value for money accurately. Companies have also been directed to declare both volume and equivalent weight to improve transparency.
Industry Response and Awareness Campaign
Dhinal Brahmbhatt, chief business officer of Budge Budge Refineries, which sells edible oil under the Doctors’ Choice brand, said the company would run an awareness campaign on the issue. “It was topsy-turvy packaging. It used to be like a 1 litre pack. But, to compete with others, we introduced a 750 ml pack,” he explained.
The retail edible oil market for packs of up to 5 litres is estimated at 50,000 tonnes per month, dominated by soya and mustard oil.
Challenges in the Edible Oil Sector
Emami Agrotech CEO Sudhakar Desai said that while non-standardization is allowed in several other categories, consumer awareness in edible oil remains low despite its widespread use across all sections of society. “There are many unorganized players as well, and there was duty-free import from Nepal, which uses non-standard packaging,” he added.
This initiative is expected to bring more transparency and fairness to the edible oil market, benefiting consumers across the country.
