Thali Cost Trends: Veggie Prices Dip, Non-Veg Soars Amidst Market Fluctuations

Crisil's report highlights a 1% drop in vegetarian thali prices in February, thanks to cheaper tomatoes and LPG. Conversely, non-vegetarian thali costs rose by 6% due to increased broiler chicken prices. Market fluctuations in key ingredients like onions and potatoes continue to influence household meal budgets.

According to a recent report by Crisil, the cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali declined by 1% year-on-year in February. This decrease is attributed to lower prices for tomatoes and LPG, while non-vegetarian thali prices have surged by approximately 6%, driven largely by the rising cost of broiler chicken.

The report specifies that the drop in vegetarian thali costs correlates with a 28% year-on-year reduction in tomato prices, falling to Rs 23 per kg due to a 20% increase in market arrivals. Additionally, the price of a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder in Delhi decreased by 11% YoY, from Rs 903 to Rs 803.

Conversely, the cost of the non-vegetarian thali rose because broiler chicken prices increased by 15% over the past year. Broiler chicken, which constitutes about half the cost of a non-vegetarian meal, saw higher feed prices as well, with maize costs climbing 6% YoY. Despite monthly declines, food prices continue to be a crucial concern for households.