diff --git a/pisi/operations.py b/pisi/operations.py
index ff531f32..dd4c7612 100644
--- a/pisi/operations.py
+++ b/pisi/operations.py
@@ -72,7 +72,8 @@ def upgrade_pisi():
 def install(packages, reinstall = False, ignore_file_conflicts=False):
     """install a list of packages (either files/urls, or names)"""
 
-    ctx.set_option('ignore_file_conflicts', ignore_file_conflicts)
+    if not ctx.get_option('ignore_file_conflicts'):
+        ctx.set_option('ignore_file_conflicts', ignore_file_conflicts)
 
     # FIXME: this function name "install" makes impossible to import
     # and use install module directly.