Vegetarian thali became costlier and non-veg thali cheaper in last one year: CRISIL

The cost of vegetarian thali went up by 5% while non-veg thali prices saw a drastic decline by 13% in January YOY, revealed a CRISIL report. In January this year, the cost of a veg thali was Rs 28. In January last year, it was Rs 26.6. For non-veg thali, the cost went down to Rs 52 from Rs 59.9 during the same period.

Pricing reason

The main reason for the rise in the cost of a veg thali is the increase in prices of tomato and onion. Tomato prices rose by 20% while onion prices rose by 35%. Moreover, the prices of rice and pulses also rose 14% and 21%, respectively.

For the non-veg thali, the cost went down as the broiler's price declined by 26% on the back of higher production. Broiler accounts for 50% of the total cost of a non-veg thali.

Also Read: Your ‘Thali’ of food got cheaper in December; find out why

On Month on month basis, as compared to December 2023, the cost of both thalis has gone down. The report said, "On-month, the cost of the veg and non-veg thalis fell 6% and 8% respectively."

The easing was due to a fall in onion and tomato prices by 26% and 16% respectively, as compared to December 2023. The prices dropped due to an increased supply amid export curbs and fresh tomato arrivals from northern and eastern states.

According to the Roti Rice Rate (RRR) report, a veg thali comprises roti, onion, tomato and potato, rice, dal, curd and salad. On the other hand, a non-veg thali has the same elements as the veg thali, except for dal, which is replaced by chicken (broiler).

Inflation check

The rise in veg thali points out that the inflation in January 2024 would be higher than January 2023. In January 2023, retail inflation was reported at 6.52%, with food inflation at 5.94%.

In December, the retail inflation was 5.69% with food inflation at 9.53%.