Govt on Edible Oil Sale: The Department of Consumer Affairs is preparing to bring a rule which will directly impact your kitchen. The government is considering making the pack size of edible oils standard. In simple language, now the size of the oil bottle or can will not be as per the company’s wish but as per the measurements decided by the government.

What used to happen earlier?

Currently, the same type of oil comes in different quantities in the market. Some companies are selling boxes of 650 grams, some of 700 grams, some of 810 grams and some of 850 grams or 870 grams. These boxes look almost identical when seen from outside. But the quantity of oil inside is different and the price is also different.

In such a situation, it becomes difficult for the common man to understand which pack is cheap and which is expensive. Companies used to take advantage of this and avoid direct comparison by making packs of strange quantities.

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What will change now?

According to the proposal, edible oil will be sold only in prescribed pack sizes. These sizes will be 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 liter, 2 liter, 3 liter, 4 liter, 5 liter and for bigger packs, 15 liter or 15 kg and 20 liter or 20 kg i.e. now packs like 650 grams or 870 grams will not work. Every company will have to sell oil in these fixed quantities.

What will be the benefit of this?

When packs of all companies are of the same quantity, you will be able to easily compare the price of one company with another. Suppose one brand is offering one liter mustard oil for Rs 150 and another for Rs 148, then you will immediately know which one is cheaper. Now this comparison was difficult because one was in 850 grams and the other was in 870 grams and the calculation was not easy for the common man.

Which oils will come in it?

Palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil and blended edible oil will all come under the purview of this rule. This rule will apply equally to both oil produced in the country and oil imported from outside.

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Suggestion to exclude packs smaller than 200ml

Industry organizations have also said that packs smaller than 200 ml should be kept out of this rule. The logic behind this is that small packs cater to the needs of the poor and people who buy small amounts every day. If strict standards are imposed on them too, their availability may be affected.

When will it come into effect?

Right now it is in proposal stage. This was discussed in a meeting chaired by the Secretary of the Consumer Affairs Department. This included organizations representing about 90 percent of the edible oil industry in the country, such as IVPA, SEA, SOPA, COOIT and MOPA. The industry demanded that companies should be given at least three months for new packaging before the rules are implemented. The suggestions are under review and may be notified under the framework of Legal Metrology.