According to Crisil Intelligence's most recent Roti Rice Rate report, the cost of preparing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis at home decreased year on year in June, aided by a drop in key vegetable prices.

Key Highlights

• Vegetarian thali cost dropped 8% year-on-year in June, driven by sharp decline in vegetable prices.
• Non‑vegetarian thali became 6% cheaper YoY, helped by 3% broiler price reduction in June.

Veg and non-veg thalis get cheaper in June

The average cost of a vegetarian thali fell 8% from June of last year, owing primarily to a sharp drop in tomato prices (down 24%), potatoes (20%), and onions (27%). 

The decline has been primarily attributed to a sharp correction in vegetable prices as supply chains normalized and rabi yields improved. Last year's supply issues were caused by blight, poor weather, and decreased rabi onion acreage.

Non-vegetarian thalis were also cheaper, with the average cost falling by around 6% year on year. This was largely driven by an estimated 3% drop in broiler chicken prices, which typically account for half of the cost of a non-vegetarian thali.

Prices for edible oil and LPG rise

Meanwhile, edible oil prices have risen 19% in the past year, despite customs duty reductions, as benefits have not yet reached consumers. LPG cylinder prices, which directly affect cooking costs, rose by 6% year on year, partially offsetting the savings on food ingredients.

Tomato spike raises thali cost

The monthly trend also reversed slightly. In June, the average price of a vegetarian thali increased by 3 percent to ₹27.1, up from ₹26.3 in May. Tomato prices rose 36% this month, owing to an 8% drop in market arrivals. Potato prices rose by 4%, while onion prices remained steady.

The cost of non-veg thali increased by 4% during the same time period. A 5% increase in broiler prices, attributed to lower supply caused by extreme summer heat.

Also Read: India's WPI Inflation Falls to 0.39% in May; Lowest Level in 14 Months

What is the Roti Rice Rate?

The Roti Rice Rate keeps track of home-cooked meal costs in north, south, east, and west India. It takes into account the average prices of ingredients such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, spices, edible oil, and LPG, reflecting regional variations that affect the overall cost of a meal.