A 233% rise in tomato prices to Rs 110 per kg contributed to the prices of vegetable thali rising to Rs 33.7 in July compared with Rs 26.3 in June.
“Of the 34% rise in the cost of a vegetarian thali, 25% can be attributed solely to the price of tomato,” Crisil economists noted in their latest report on Thursday, pointing out that a 16% rise in onion and 9% rise in potato also contributed to thali inflation.
“The cost of a thali went up sequentially for the third month in a row in July and is also up on-year for the first time this fiscal year,” the note highlighted.
Last year, elevated wheat and palm oil prices contributed to the inflated cost of vegetarian thalis. At the same time, non-vegetarian meals had become expensive owing to rising broiler prices.
The non-vegetarian thali, which replaces chicken for dal, recorded a 13% sequential increase to Rs 66.8—its fastest pace in over a year. “The cost of a non-vegetarian thali rose at a slower pace as the price of broilers, comprising more than 50% of the cost, likely declined 3-5% on-month in July.”While spices have also been witnessing double-digit inflation, their usage in lower quantities, the cost contribution was limited. Chili recorded a 69% rise in prices sequentially in July, whereas cumin prices were up 16%.
The only respite for consumers was vegetable oil price, which declined 2% sequentially.
Crisil calculates the cost of preparing a thali at home and does not include overhead costs, staff expenses and profit margins, which would have pushed the prices even higher.
Over the TOP
– Tomato, onion and potato prices lead to rising prices of a thali
– Tomato prices 233% up in July compared to the previous month
– Veg and non-veg thali prices rise 34% and 13%, respectively
A veg thali comprises roti, vegetables (onion, tomato, and potato), rice, dal, curd, and salad. For a non-vegetarian thali, chicken has been considered instead of dal. Broiler prices for July 2023 are estimated (E): Crisil
