In October 2024, the cost of a vegetarian thali rose significantly due to a sharp increase in vegetable prices. Crisil's 'Rice Roti Rate' report shows that the veg thali cost increased by 20 percent, reaching Rs 33.3 per plate compared to Rs 27.7 last year in October. On a monthly basis, the price rose by 6.3 percent from Rs 31.3 in September 2023.
The price rise is mainly due to rising vegetable costs, which comprise 40 percent of the thali's price. September rains caused a supply drop in onions and potatoes, increasing their prices by 46 percent and 51 percent, respectively. Rain in Maharashtra and Karnataka delayed the harvesting of the crop.
Tomato prices also nearly doubled in October, from Rs 29 per kg last year to Rs 64 this year, due to crop damage from September rains. Festive demand and reduced supplies from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh contributed to this rise, though supply from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, may stabilize prices in November.
Pulses prices rose 11 percent due to festive demand and lower stock, making up 9 percent of the thali’s cost. New crop arrivals in December could lower prices. Vegetable oil prices rose 10 percent in October due to higher import duties and festive demand Meanwhile, an 11 percent drop in fuel costs helped moderate the overall increase in veg thali prices.
Pulses prices rose 11 percent due to festive demand and lower stock, making up 9 percent of the thali’s cost. New crop arrivals in December could lower prices. Vegetable oil prices rose by 10 percent in October due to higher import duties and festive demand. Meanwhile, an 11 percent drop in fuel costs helped moderate the overall increase in veg thali prices.
The cost of a non-veg thali rose 5.11 percent year-on-year to Rs 61.6 in October and increased 3.8 percent from Rs 59.3 in September. A 9 percent drop in broiler chicken prices, which make up half the cost of a non-veg thali, prevented further increases. However, the surge in tomato and onion prices also impacted the cost of the non-veg thali.