The average cost of a vegetarian thali saw a significant increase of 10% in June, driven primarily by the rising prices of onions, potatoes, and tomatoes, according to Crisil Market Intelligence and Analysis' monthly "Roti Rice Rate" report released on Friday.
The report highlighted that the cost of a vegetarian thali, which includes roti, vegetables (onions, tomatoes, and potatoes), rice, dal, curd, and salad, rose to Rs 29.4 per plate in June. This marks an increase from Rs 26.7 in the same period last year and from Rs 27.8 in May 2024.
The overall hike in vegetarian thali prices can be attributed to significant increases in vegetable costs: a 30% rise in tomato prices, a 59% increase in potato prices, and a 46% surge in onion prices.
These price hikes are due to various factors, including lower onion arrivals resulting from a significant drop in rabi acreage and lower potato yields caused by unseasonal rainfall in March. Additionally, high temperatures in key growing regions of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh led to a virus infestation in the summer tomato crop, reducing arrivals by 35% year-on-year.
Rice prices also saw a 13% increase due to a dip in acreage, resulting in subdued arrivals. Pulse prices rose by 22% owing to a dry spell during the key kharif months, further contributing to the overall rise in thali costs.
In contrast, the cost of a non-vegetarian thali, which includes chicken instead of dal, declined to Rs 58 in June, down from Rs 60.5 in the same period last year. However, this was still higher compared to the preceding May's price of Rs 55.9 per thali.
The report attributes the decline in non-vegetarian thali costs to a 14% year-on-year decrease in broiler prices, driven by oversupply and lower feed costs compared to the previous year.
Despite the monthly increase in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal prices, the report indicates that the surge in vegetable prices was the primary driver of the overall hike.
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