In August 2024, the cost of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis significantly decreased, largely driven by a sharp fall in tomato prices, according to Crisil's 'Rice Roti Rate' report.
The price of a vegetarian thali (Veg Thali) dropped by 8 percent year-on-year to Rs 31.2, compared to Rs 34.0 in August 2023. Month-on-month, the price also fell 4 percent, down from Rs 32.6 in July 2024. This reduction is attributed to a 51 percent drop in tomato prices over the past year. In August 2023, tomatoes cost Rs 102 per kg, but by August 2024, fresh arrivals from southern and western states brought the price down to Rs 50 per kg.
Additionally, lower fuel prices contributed to the cost reduction. The price of a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder in Delhi dropped from Rs 1,103 in August 2023 to Rs 803 by March 2024. Prices of other thali ingredients, such as vegetable oil, chilli, and cumin, also fell by 6 percent, 30 percent, and 58 percent, respectively, though their impact was limited due to their small share in the thali.
Source: CRISIL Report
Non-vegetarian thalis (Non-Veg Thali) saw an even sharper decline, with prices down 12 percent year-on-year to Rs 59.3, compared to Rs 67.5 in August 2023. The cost also dropped 3 percent from Rs 61.4 in July 2024. The main factor driving this reduction was a 13 percent drop in broiler chicken prices, which account for about half of the total non-veg thali cost. However, price increases in potatoes (2 percent) and onions (3 percent) slightly offset the decline.