The cost of home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis declined by 14% and 13%, respectively, in July 2025 compared to the same month last year, driven by softer commodity prices, according to Crisil’s monthly indicator of food plate costs.
The year-on-year decline in vegetarian thali costs was primarily due to a sharp drop in vegetable prices – especially tomatoes, onions, and potatoes (TOP) – on a high base:
Tomato prices fell 36% year-on-year to ₹42 per kg in July, down from ₹66 per kg last year. This was largely due to a high base effect, as tomato prices typically surge around July-August owing to seasonal factors, even breaching ₹100 per kg in 2023.
Potato prices declined by 30% year-on-year, while onion prices dropped 36%. In the corresponding period last year, potato output had fallen by 5-7% due to blight infestations and erratic weather, leading to price spikes. In contrast, onion prices dropped this year following an 18-20% increase in annual production.
Pulses witnessed a 14% year-on-year price decline, supported by higher production and stock levels, while rice prices fell by 4%.
The cost of a non-vegetarian thali also decreased, largely due to lower vegetable prices and an estimated 12% year-on-year drop in broiler chicken prices, which account for about half the total cost of the thali.
However, the overall cost reduction was partially offset by two key factors:
Despite a cut in basic customs duty (BCD) on crude edible oils, vegetable oil prices surged 20% year-on-year, as the benefit of reduced duties has not yet been fully passed on to consumers.
A 6% year-on-year increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder prices also constrained the extent of the decline in thali costs.
Crisil noted that while the broad trend points to improved affordability of home-cooked meals, inflationary pressures on cooking fuel and edible oils continue to pose challenges for household budgets.
(IANS)
