The average cost of preparing a thali at home is calculated based on input prices prevailing in north, south, east and west India.
In December, prices of home-cooked meals increased on dearer key kitchen staples. The rise in vegetarian thali costs was driven by an increase in tomato and potato prices, which collectively account for 24% of the cost of a thali.
On the other hand, the increase in the cost of non-vegetarian thali was driven by an estimated 20% year-on-year rise in the price of broiler, which accounts for ~50% of the cost.
The average cost of preparing a thali at home is calculated based on input prices prevailing in north, south, east, and west India. The monthly change reflects the impact on the typical individual’s expenditure. The data also revealed that the ingredients (cereals, pulses, broilers, vegetables, spices, edible oil, and cooking gas) were driving the change in the cost of the thali.
Broiler on the boil
− Tomato price rose 24% to Rs 47/kg in Dec’24 from Rs 38/kg in Dec’23. Potato price surged 50% on a low base last year to Rs 36/kg in Dec’24 from Rs 24/kg in Dec’23 due to an estimated 6% on-year decline in production
Adding to the cost was a 16% on-year jump in vegetable oil prices due to import-duty hike, coupled with higher demand during the festive and wedding seasons.
A vegetarian thali comprises roti, vegetables (onion, tomato, and potato), rice, dal, curd, and salad. A non-vegetarian thali has the same elements except for dal, which is replaced by chicken (broiler). Broiler prices for December are estimated. The weightage of ingredients does not vary based on volatility in commodity prices.
On-month, the cost of a vegetarian thali declined 3% in Dec’24, while the cost of a non-vegetarian thali is estimated to have increased at a similar pace:
- Tomato prices fell 12% per month, helped by fresh supplies from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat
- A 2% and 12% on-month drop in potato and onion prices, respectively, further supported the price decline
LPG Cost
An 11% year-on-year drop in the cost of LPG fuel (to Rs 803 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder in Delhi from Rs 903 last year) partially offset this.
Non-Vegetarian Thali
- The sharp surge in broiler prices is attributable to last year’s low base when production was high.
- The cost of non-vegetarian thali grew faster due to an estimated 11% on-month increase in broiler prices on a dip in production triggered by a cold wave in the north. This, coupled with a rise in festive and wedding-season demand and an elevated feed cost, exacerbated the woes.
