While the cost of a home-cooked veg thali declined by 8 per cent as compared to the same period last year, the non-veg thali cost dropped by around 6 per cent in June. This was largely driven by softening vegetables, especially a sharp decline in tomato prices, and also a drop in broiler prices, stated Crisil’s monthly Roti Rice Rate report.
For months, contrary to popular belief, consumers have been spending more on vegetarian thalis due to rising vegetable prices. However, December stood out as an exception, with the cost of non-veg thalis increasing at double the rate of veg thalis, driven by a roughly 20 per cent year-on-year surge in broiler prices. Ever since, the veg thali cost has witnessed more decline in comparison to non-veg thali on easing vegetable prices.
The average cost of preparing a thali at home is calculated based on input prices prevailing in north, south, east and west India. The monthly change reflects the impact on the common man’s expenditure. The data also reveals the ingredients (cereals, pulses, broilers, vegetables, spices, edible oil and cooking gas) driving the change in the cost of the thali.
A veg thali comprises roti, vegetables (onion, tomato and potato), rice, dal, curd and salad; and a non-veg thali has the same elements, except dal, which is replaced by chicken (broiler).
Vegetable price correction drives veg thali relief
According to the CRISIL MI&A Research estimates, the cost of home-cooked vegetarian thali declined by 8 per cent on-year. The report attributed this to a sharp drop in prices of vegetables on a high base. During the month of June, tomato prices fell by 24 per cent on-year to Rs 32/kg from Rs 42/kg in June 2024, driven by a high base effect linked to lower yields last year.
Further, prices of potato declined by 20 per cent and onion by 27 per cent on-year, again on a high base. Last year, potato production had dropped by around 6 per cent due to blight infestations and weather changes, while rabi onion production declined by a sharper 20 per cent due to lower acreage and yield.
However, according to the findings of the report, an increase in prices of vegetable oil and liquefied petroleum gas cylinder prevented a further decline in the cost of vegetarian thali. In terms of vegetable oil, prices surged 19 per cent on-year despite a reduction in basic customs duty on crude edible oils. This was because the lower costs are yet to be completely passed on to consumers. Additionally, a 6 per cent on-year increase in LPG cylinder prices limited the decline in overall thali cost
Broiler price dip cools down non-veg thali costs
The cost for non-veg thali, Crisil said, dropped by 6 per cent in June. Per the report, along with lower vegetable prices, an estimated 3 per cent on-year drop in broiler prices, drove down the cost of a non-veg thali. It is worth noting that broilers account for around 50 per cent of the non-veg thali cost.
Pushan Sharma, Director, Crisil Intelligence, said, “In coming months, however, we expect thali costs to inch up sequentially as seasonal changes push up vegetable prices. Onion prices are expected to rise moderately due to the absence of fresh arrivals and controlled release of stored rabi stock. For tomato, weak summer sowing is expected to lead to a sequential increase in prices, adding to the upward pressure on thali costs.”
A MoM price update for veg and non-veg thali
Now, on a month-on-month basis, the cost of a veg thali increased by 3 per cent in June while that of non-veg thali went up by 4 per cent. During the month, tomato prices surged 36 per cent on-month, driven by an 8 per cent decline in arrivals, which, in turn, pushed up the cost of thalis. Meanwhile, potato prices edged up 4 per cent on-month, while onion prices held steady.
The cost of a non-veg thali surged by 4 per cent owing to an estimated 5 per cent on-month rise in broiler prices. “Broiler prices rose amid reduced supply caused by extreme heat, which led to higher mortality and slower growth in chickens,” Crisil stated.
During the previous month, that is, May 2025, the cost of home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis declined by around 6 per cent each on-year.