IVPA flags concerns over duty-free refined oil influx from Nepal, seeks return of standard pack sizes to curb consumer confusion
The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers Association (IVPA) has called on the government to reassess the policy of duty-free refined oil imports from Nepal, citing harm to domestic processors and farmers. The appeal was made during the conclusion of a two-day global roundtable held to mark IVPA’s 50th anniversary, reported business-standard.com.
IVPA expressed concern that low-cost refined oils from Nepal are saturating markets in northern and northeastern India, undermining local oil refiners and pushing down farmgate prices for oilseeds.
IVPA wants imports from Nepal routed through state agencies and standardised packaging reinstated to protect consumers and domestic producers
In its statement, IVPA suggested that duty-free imports be channelled via government agencies such as the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (Nafed) to ensure better regulation and safeguard domestic interests.
Another pressing issue raised by the body was the increasing variety of edible oil packaging sizes available in the Indian market. IVPA recommended reintroducing standardised pack sizes to help consumers make clear price comparisons and reduce confusion at retail points.
The association emphasized that a balanced approach is essential to protect both consumers and the domestic edible oil ecosystem, which includes farmers, processors, and retailers.
