The cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali increased by 20% in October 2024 compared to October 2023, while the price of a non-vegetarian thali increased by 5%, a CRISIL Roti Rice Rate (RRR) report revealed.

Despite the continuous 12-month decline in the cost of a non-vegetarian thali, the prices of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali increased in October 2024. Compared to the previous month, the cost of a vegetarian thali increased by 6%, while a thali non-vegetarian increased by 6% -veg thali increased by 4%. The price hike was mainly driven by higher costs of vegetables, which account for about 40% of the cost of a vegetarian thali. For non-veg thalis, the increase in vegetable prices, which accounts for 22% of the total cost, outpaced a 9% drop in broiler prices, which accounts for 50% of the cost.

Onion and potato prices saw significant increases in October 2024. Compared to October 2023, onion prices increased by 46%, while potato prices increased by 51%. The report attributes these increases to a drop in supply due to heavy rains in September. In addition, the onion price also increased by 6% compared to the previous month.

Tomato prices saw a sharp rise, more than doubling from Rs 29 per kg in October 2023 to Rs 64 per kg in October 2024. This rise was due to crop damage due to rains in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Prices also rose 39% from the previous month, with demand from the festive season adding to the price hike.

The report also noted that prices are likely to stabilize in November 2024 due to increased supply from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.

Pulses, which account for 9% of the cost of a vegetable thali, have become 11% more expensive due to lower opening stock, reduced supply and increased festive demand. However, the report predicts that pulse prices will fall in December as fresh stocks arrive.

Vegetable oil prices rose 10% in October due to higher import duties and strong holiday demand. On the other hand, fuel and broiler prices fell. The cost of an LPG cylinder in Delhi has come down by 11% from Rs 903 in September last year to Rs 803 in March this year.

The average cost of preparing a thali at home is calculated by considering the prices of ingredients such as grains, pulses, chicken, vegetables, spices, edible oil and cooking gas. Prices from different regions – North, South, East and West India – are all taken into account to determine the average cost.