The cost of preparing a home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali decreased in January compared to a year ago. A report by Crisil Intelligence revealed that the cost of a vegetarian thali dropped by 1% year-on-year, while a non-vegetarian thali saw a 7% decline. The reduction in the vegetarian thali cost was primarily attributed to significant decreases in onion, potato, and pulses prices.
On the other hand, a surge in tomato prices offset some of the overall cost relief. Tomato prices spiked by 50% year-on-year to Rs 46 per kg in January 2026 from Rs 31 per kg in January 2025, as per the report. This increase was a result of a 39% drop in arrivals during the month, although the rise was from a low base of the previous year.
The decrease in onion prices by 27% year-on-year was due to increased stock availability and subdued exports. Potato prices also fell by 23% as lower yields had led to price hikes in the previous season, creating a high base effect. Pushan Sharma, Director at Crisil Intelligence, noted that the cost of the vegetarian thali declined significantly due to the sharp decrease in onion, potato, and pulse prices.
Sharma mentioned, “Prices of onions and pulses softened due to higher stock levels, while potato prices fell on account of a high base. In contrast, tomato prices increased due to a low base from last year.” Prices of pulses witnessed a 14% drop compared to the previous year as stocks improved in the current fiscal year.
The decline in thali costs was supported by increased imports of Bengal gram, yellow pea, and black gram. Bengal gram imports surged nine times year-on-year in fiscal 2025, with yellow pea imports rising by 85% and black gram imports by 31%. Despite minor duties being imposed, these imports were allowed until March 2026. However, some input costs rose, with vegetable oil prices increasing by 4% year-on-year due to a tighter global supply of soyabean oil, leading to higher domestic prices.
Additionally, liquefied petroleum gas cylinder prices rose by 6% year-on-year, which partially offset the overall decline in thali costs.
