Higher onion, vegetable oil and LPG prices raised the cost of both thalis, while broiler prices contributed to the sharper increase in the non-vegetarian meal
The cost of preparing a home-cooked vegetarian thali rose 4 per cent year-on-year in July, while the cost of a non-vegetarian thali increased 9 per cent. Higher onion, vegetable oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices increased the cost of both thalis, while higher broiler prices added to the increase in the non-vegetarian thali cost.
According to Crisil Intelligence’s monthly food plate cost indicator, on a month-on-month basis, the cost of a vegetarian thali increased 2 per cent in July, while the cost of a non-vegetarian thali remained unchanged. Onion and potato prices rose 23 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively, during the month, pushing up the vegetarian thali cost. A 1 per cent decline in tomato prices and relatively stable prices of other commodities limited the increase.
The cost of the non-vegetarian thali remained unchanged month-on-month, with an estimated 2 per cent decline in broiler prices amid moderation in demand offsetting movements in other input costs.
Onion Prices Rise 20 per cent On-Year
Onion prices rose 20 per cent year-on-year in July, driven by the arrival of higher-priced stored rabi stocks in the market. Crisil said unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms in Maharashtra during March and April reportedly damaged the late-season crop and stored inventories, further tightening supplies.
Vegetable oil prices increased 11 per cent year-on-year, while LPG cylinder prices rose 10 per cent. Crisil attributed the increases primarily to supply disruptions and elevated energy prices resulting from the ongoing West Asia conflict.
The increase in thali costs was partly offset by lower potato and tomato prices on a year-on-year basis. Potato prices declined 12 per cent, supported by a 2–3 per cent rise in rabi production following an expansion in acreage. Tomato prices fell 2 per cent year-on-year, with higher market arrivals in July following a shift in the summer crop supply cycle.
Broiler Prices Lift Non-Veg Thali Cost
The non-vegetarian thali cost also increased due to an estimated 14 per cent year-on-year rise in broiler prices. Broilers account for around 50 per cent of the cost of a non-vegetarian thali. According to Crisil, higher feed costs and a low-base effect following the shift of the Shravan month from July in 2025 to August in 2026 contributed to the increase in broiler prices.
In July, the average cost of preparing a non-vegetarian thali stood at Rs 58.3, compared with Rs 53.5 in July 2025. The cost of a vegetarian thali stood at Rs 29.1, compared with Rs 28.1 a year earlier.
