Cost of Home-Cooked Thali Rises 7% in November Amid Soaring Vegetable Prices: Report

New Delhi: The cost of preparing a home-cooked vegetarian meal, or thali, rose 7% year-on-year in November, primarily driven by a sharp increase in vegetable prices, according to a report by Crisil Ltd released on Thursday, December 5. Potatoes and tomatoes, which constitute 26% of a thali’s cost, saw significant price hikes, contributing heavily to the overall rise.

The cost of a vegetarian thali, priced at Rs 32.70, declined 2% compared to October, according to a Mint report. In contrast, the cost of a non-vegetarian thali increased 2% year-on-year to Rs 61.50 but remained unchanged sequentially.

Tomato prices surged 35% year-on-year to Rs 53 per kg, up from Rs 40 in November last year, while potato prices jumped 50% to Rs 37 per kg, compared to Rs 25 during the same period. The spike in potato prices was attributed to a 20% drop in market arrivals, as late blight infestations adversely affected yields in major producing states such as Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

Pulses also saw a 10% year-on-year price increase due to limited stocks and pipeline availability. Meanwhile, vegetable oil prices rose 13%, driven by higher import duties and seasonal demand from festivals and weddings.

Also read: Cost of Vegetarian Thali Soars by 20% in October: Report

On a monthly basis, the cost of a vegetarian thali fell 2%, supported by a 17% drop in tomato prices as fresh supplies from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat entered the market. However, this was offset by rising costs of onions, vegetable oil and potatoes, which increased by 4%, 4%, and 1%, respectively.

For non-vegetarian meals, the cost remained stable month-on-month as broiler chicken prices dropped 3% year-on-year, balancing a 2% rise in prices during November. A rare reprieve came from falling fuel costs.

India’s retail inflation climbed to 6.21% in October, up from 5.49% in September, marking its highest level since August’s 6.83%.

The report suggests some relief could arrive in December as fresh pulse supplies hit the market, though household budgets will likely continue to feel the strain of volatile food costs in the near term.