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Informist, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026

 

NEW DELHI – The cost of cooking vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals at home was less in January, as prices of onion, potato, and pulses eased last month. The average cost of a vegetarian thali in January fell 1% on year and 2% on month to INR 28.5, while that of non-vegetarian thali was INR 56.4, down 7% on year and 3% on month, CRISIL Intelligence said in a report. 

 

"The decline in the cost of a veg thali was led by a sharp fall in the prices of onion, potato and pulses, while elevated tomato prices limited the fall," the report said. Amid lower arrivals, tomato prices rose 50% on year to INR 46 per kilogram in January, from INR 31 a year ago. However, tomato prices slipped 8% on month, the report said. 

 

Onion prices eased 27% on year due to higher availability and subdued exports. Potato prices declined 23% on year as lower yields had pushed up prices in Jan-Dec last year, creating a high base. 

 

Pulses prices declined 14% on year as higher imports increased domestic stock availabity. Despite the imposition of minor duties, yellow pea imports rose 85%, black gram 31%, and Bengal gram shipments rose nine times on year in fiscal 2025. 

 

The cost of a non-vegetarian thali fell due to a 13% on year drop in broiler prices, which account for 50% of the cost. Lower prices of onion, potato, and pulses also contributed to the decline. "A vegetarian thali comprises roti, vegetables (onion, tomato and potato), rice, dal, curd and salad. A non-vegetarian thali has the same elements, except dal, which is replaced by chicken," the report said. 

 

However, cooking oil prices and fuel costs were higher in January. Edible oil prices rose 4% on year due to tighter supply of soyabean oil in the global market, pulling up domestic oil prices. Additionally, a 6% on-year increase in prices of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders limited the decline in the overall cost of thalis. 

 

In addition, wheat flour prices rose 5% on month, as speculation over potential relaxation of export restrictions supported prices and limited the decline of thali costs. End

 

Reported by Afra Abubacker 

Edited by Akul Nishant Akhoury

 

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