Rising tomato prices push veg thali cost up by 11 percent

The continuous rise in tomato prices is directly impacting the cost of meals for the common man. In July 2024, the cost of a veg thali increased by 11 percent to Rs 32.26 per plate, while the cost of a non-veg thali rose by 6 percent.

According to Crisil's "Rice Roti Rate" report, the cost of a veg thali was Rs 29.4 in June 2024, which has now increased to Rs 32.26. A year ago, the cost was Rs 34.1, showing a 4 percent decrease on an annual basis.

Tomato prices increased by 55 percent

The primary reason for the rising cost of the veg thali is the substantial increase in tomato prices. In July 2024, tomato prices surged by 55 percent to Rs 66 per kilogram, up from Rs 42 per kilogram in June 2024. The arrival of tomatoes has been affected by unseasonal rains and virus infections in major tomato-producing states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Onion and potato prices have also seen increases, rising by 20 percent and 16 percent respectively in July 2024. The price of onions has been affected by lower Rabi production, while potato production has been impacted by late blight in Punjab, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.

Cost of non-veg thali increased by 6 percent

The cost of the non-veg thali also rose by 6 percent in July 2024, increasing from Rs 58 in June 2023 to Rs 61.4. However, on a year-on-year basis, the cost of the non-veg thali has decreased by 9 percent, as broiler prices have remained stable. Despite this, the inflation of vegetables (tomatoes and onions) has had an impact on the cost of non-veg thalis as well.