Veg Thali Cost Declines In February, Non-Veg Thali Prices Increase

The cost of home-cooked vegetarian thali declined 1% year-on-year in February, while of non-vegetarian thali rose 6% on the year, Crisil said in its latest edition of the Roti Rice Report. However, on a sequential basis, costs of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis decreased 5% during February.

Vegetarian thali prices decreased because of a fall in tomato and liquid petroleum cylinder rates. Tomato prices declined 28% on the year to Rs 23 per kilogram from Rs 32 per kilogram a year ago because of a 20% increase in arrivals on the year, Crisil said in its report. LPG cylinder prices fell 11% on the year, providing the much-needed relief.

Meanwhile, a rise in onion, potato, and vegetable oils curbed the decline in the cost of vegetarian thali. Onion, potato, and vegetable oil prices rose 11%, 16%, and 18% on the year, respectively.

A sharp rise in broiler prices, which makes up about 50% of the total cost, drove the non-vegetarian thali costs higher in February, Crisil said. Broiler or chicken prices soared 15% on the year because of a low base effect from the last year. During this time last year, broiler prices declined due to excess supply. Moreover, high feed costs due to a rise in maize prices also contributed to the non-vegetarian thali prices.

On a month-on-month basis, costs of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis declined because of fall in onion, tomato, potato, and broiler prices. Broiler prices declined 5% on the month as demand fell amid the bird flu scare in South India.

Source: Crisil report.

Crisil calculates average costs of preparing a thali at home based on input prices prevailing in north, south, east and west India. The monthly changes in prices give insight to how common man is affected.

India's consumer price index-based inflation for February is scheduled to be released on Wednesday. In January, India's CPI fell to 4.31% on the year tracking a decline vegetable prices.