Tomato Prices a Large Factor as Monthly Cost of Vegetarian Thali Rises by 34%: Crisil

New Delhi: The cost of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis rose 34% and 13% month-on-month, respectively, in July, according to Crisil's roti rice rate.

Of the 34% rise in the cost of a vegetarian thali, 25% can be attributed solely to the price of tomato, which rose 233% month-on-month to Rs 110/kg in July from Rs 33/kg in June, said the Crisil report.

The price of tomatoes in retail markets has skyrocketed to Rs 250 per kg, making it more expensive than petrol (Rs 97 per litre in Delhi).

According to Crisil, a vegetarian thali comprises roti, vegetables (onion, tomato, and potato), rice, dal, curd, and salad.

For a non-vegetarian thali, chicken has been considered instead of dal.

However, it doesn't take into account the retail price of a thali, which includes overhead costs, staff expenses, and profit margins.

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, cooking gas) driving changes in the cost of a thali.

The report further noted that chili and cumin also became more expensive, their prices rising 69% and 16% on-month, respectively, in July.

However, given the lower quantities of these ingredients used in a thali, their cost contribution remains lower than some of the vegetable crops.

Also read: Tomatoes: The Modi Government Has Made a PR Stunt Out of a Real Issue

The cost of a non-vegetarian thali rose at a slower pace as the price of broilers, comprising more than 50% of the cost, likely declined 3-5% on-month in July, it said.

In July, the cost of a vegetarian thali was Rs 33.7 and that of a non-vegetarian thali was Rs 66.8.

In June, one could pay Rs 26.3 for a vegetarian thali and Rs 60 for non-vegetarian thali.

In the previous months, a vegetarian thali was priced around Rs 25, and a non-vegetarian thali around Rs 59.

The Times of India reported that restaurants are shelling out 50% more for spices and vegetables.

A mid-sized restaurant usually spends around 1.5-2 lakh a month on vegetables, the daily said, citing a restaurant owner. However, in July, these costs went as high as 2.5-3 lakh, due to the soaring prices.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.