The cost of preparing a vegetarian thali at home increased by 2% in July, hitting its highest level in seven months. The rise was mainly due to a sharp jump in onion prices, along with higher costs for cooking gas and edible oil, while the relief from lower tomato prices was insufficient to balance the increase.
On average, a vegetarian thali cost Rs 29.1 in July, up from Rs 28.4 in June. This matches the price level seen in December 2025 and is 4% higher than it was a year earlier.
The price of a non‑vegetarian thali stayed the same on a monthly basis at Rs 58.3, but it was 9% higher compared with July 2025.
The biggest factor behind the monthly rise was onion prices, which surged 23% over June. Potato prices also rose 4% during the month. Although tomato prices eased 1% and most other ingredients remained stable, the decline could not offset the increase in onion costs.
Year‑on‑year, onion prices were up 20% because higher‑priced stored rabi stocks entered the market after unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms damaged crops in Maharashtra during March and April, tightening supplies.
Vegetable oil prices increased 11% and LPG cylinder prices rose 10% from a year ago, reflecting supply disruptions and higher energy prices linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The rise in thali costs was partly cushioned by a decline in vegetable prices. Potato prices were down 12% from a year earlier due to higher rabi production supported by expanded acreage, while tomato prices slipped 2% as delayed planting shifted the supply cycle.
For non‑vegetarian households, the annual increase in meal costs was sharper because broiler chicken prices, which account for roughly half the cost of a non‑vegetarian thali, were estimated to have risen 14% from a year ago. Higher feed costs and a favourable base effect from the shift of the Shravan month also supported chicken prices.
On a monthly basis, broiler prices eased an estimated 2% due to moderation in demand, keeping non‑vegetarian thali costs unchanged.
Crisil’s monthly Roti Rice Rate tracks the cost of preparing a thali at home using prices of cereals, pulses, vegetables, edible oil, broiler chicken and LPG across North, South, East and West India, providing a proxy for household food inflation.