The cost of preparing home-cooked meals rose in November 2024 compared to the same period last year, as higher tomato and potato prices significantly impacted household budgets. Crisil’s monthly Roti Rice Rate report highlighted a 7 per cent increase in the cost of a vegetarian thali and a 2 per cent rise in the cost of a non-vegetarian thali on a year-on-year basis.

Vegetarian Thali Costs Surge Due to Soaring Vegetable Prices

  • The price of a vegetarian thali climbed to Rs 32.7 in November 2024, driven primarily by:
    • Tomato prices: Increased by 35 per cent year-on-year, reaching Rs 53 per kg from Rs 40 per kg in November 2023.
    • Potato prices: Rose sharply by 50 per cent year-on-year, hitting Rs 37 per kg compared to Rs 25 per kg last year. Reduced yields caused by late blight infestation in states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat contributed to this spike.

Additionally, pulses saw a 10 per cent price rise due to lower opening stocks, though prices are expected to ease with fresh arrivals in December. Vegetable oil prices also rose by 13 per cent, driven by an import duty hike and increased demand during the festive and wedding seasons.

Fuel Cost Drop Offers Partial Relief

An 11 per cent reduction in LPG prices provided some respite, with the cost of a 14.2 kg cylinder in Delhi dropping from Rs 903 in November 2023 to Rs 803 this year. The decline in fuel costs helped prevent a steeper rise in overall thali expenses.

Non-Vegetarian Thali: Marginal Increase Due to Broiler Costs

The cost of a non-vegetarian thali edged up 2 per cent to Rs 61.5 in November 2024. This modest increase was due to a 3 per cent rise in broiler chicken prices, which account for 50 per cent of the non-vegetarian thali cost.

Veg Thali Costs Decline, Non-Veg Thali Stable

Compared to October 2024:

  • The cost of a vegetarian thali fell by 2 per cent, aided by a 17 per cent drop in tomato prices following fresh supplies from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
  • The non-vegetarian thali cost remained stable despite a 2 per cent rise in broiler prices.

However, price hikes in other staples, including a 4 per cent increase in vegetable oil and onion prices, prevented further cost reductions.

Regional Price Analysis and Future Outlook

The cost of thalis is calculated based on input prices in different regions of India—north, south, east, and west—reflecting regional variations in household expenses.

  • Vegetables and Pulses: Prices are expected to stabilise in December as fresh supplies enter the market, easing pressure on vegetarian thali costs.
  • Non-Vegetarian Thali: A low base from December 2023 is likely to drive year-on-year growth in costs in the coming months.

Rising Costs Affect Household Budgets

The sharp rise in vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes and potatoes, underscores the volatility in essential food items. While the decline in LPG prices has cushioned the impact, sustained efforts to stabilise food prices through improved supply chains and policy measures are critical to easing household burdens.