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One-year exemption for loose edible oil sale in Maharashtra
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Friday, 06 November, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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In a major development for the state’s food trade, the Maharashtra government has directed officials to continue the one-year exemption on the sale of loose edible oil until a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is finalised, providing significant relief to traditional traders ahead of the Diwali festival.
The decision was announced during a high-level meeting chaired by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule at Mantralaya. The meeting, convened following instructions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, was attended by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal, Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Khandare, senior FDA officials, and trade representatives.
Minister Bawankule instructed the department to form a Coordination Committee comprising trade bodies, FDA officials, and key stakeholders to formulate a practical long-term policy. He emphasised that while preventing adulteration and guaranteeing consumer safety remain top priorities, the government must also protect the livelihoods of small traders who have conducted traditional business for decades without imposing unfair financial burdens.
Shankar Thakkar, national president of the All India Edible Oil Traders Federation, welcomed the state government's decision to form the committee but pressed for immediate administrative action on two key demands.
First, Thakkar urged the state to issue the official Government Resolution (GR) formalising the one-year exemption without delay. He pointed out that nearly two months have elapsed since initial directions were issued by the Chief Minister, leaving traders in a state of operational uncertainty.
Second, Thakkar demanded the deployment of Mobile Food Testing Laboratory Vans in Maharashtra, aligning with central government guidelines and existing models in other states.
On-site testing, he noted, would prevent prolonged detention of trade stock awaiting laboratory results, a delay that frequently leads to product expiration, food destruction, and substantial financial losses.
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