Non-Standard Edible Oil Pack Sizes Misleading Consumers, Says Soybean Processors’ Body

The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) has raised concerns over the growing use of non-standard pack sizes in edible oil packaging, saying the practice is misleading consumers and distorting price comparisons in retail markets.

The Indore-based industry body has written to the Union Consumer Affairs Department , urging the government to reintroduce standardisation of packaging volumes to prevent confusion among buyers. SOPA represents processors, exporters and other stakeholders in India’s soybean sector.

SOPA Executive Director D N Pathak said several companies are introducing unusual pack sizes that make it difficult for consumers to judge price and quantity accurately. According to the association, five national organisations from the edible oil industry had earlier jointly recommended standardising pack sizes to protect consumers.

The association said the confusion began after the government removed restrictions on fixed pack quantities for edible oils and instead mandated the display of per-unit price on packages. While the move was intended to enhance transparency, SOPA argued that some manufacturers are misusing the exemption by launching unconventional packaging volumes .

The organisation said relying on unit price declarations alone is unrealistic because the average retail consumer rarely calculates the price per millilitre or gram, especially when the figure appears in decimals such as 24.72 paise per millilitre .

Citing examples from retail shelves, SOPA said consumers are often presented with similar-looking pouches containing 880 ml and 910 ml of oil. The smaller pack may appear cheaper at first glance, but its actual price per litre is higher , leading buyers to unknowingly pay more.

The association also highlighted a case where an edible oil brand advertised 19 different pack sizes , many of which look identical while differing by only 25 or 50 grams. According to SOPA, such minimal variations create consumer confusion and distort fair price comparison.

It further warned that in the absence of clear rules, even compliant companies are being compelled to adopt non-standard packaging to remain competitive in the market.

SOPA urged the government to take a prompt policy decision in the larger interest of consumers.