In its latest roti rice rate report, CRISIL Intelligence said the average cost of preparing these meals was calculated using input prices from North, South, East and West India. The monthly indicator tracks how changes in food prices affect household budgets, particularly for common food items.“The price of non-vegetarian thali declined 1% year-on-year in March, while the price of vegetarian thali remained stable as lower prices of potatoes, onions and pulses offset higher costs of tomatoes, vegetable oil and fuel,” the report quoted news agency ANI as saying.
Tomato spikes keep vegetarian thali from getting cheap
The vegetarian thali remained largely stagnant due to the steep rise in tomato prices. Tomato prices rose 33 percent year-on-year to Rs 28 per kg in March 2026, compared to Rs 21 per kg in March 2025.The report said the increase was due to delayed planting in major producing states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, which affected crop growth, yields and time of arrival in markets.Meanwhile, onion prices fell 25 per cent year-on-year. “Onion prices fell 25% year-on-year due to excess supplies due to overlapping of previous kharif arrivals and Rabi crops as well as weak exports, leading to distress sales given the limited shelf life of late kharif onions,” the report said.Potato prices also declined by 13 per cent year-on-year due to weak demand from the hotel, restaurant and catering sector and widespread stock liquidation.
The price of non-veg thali has reduced due to broiler prices.
The decline in non-vegetarian thali was mainly due to soft chicken prices. Broiler prices declined by an estimated 2 per cent year-on-year, which had a meaningful impact as broilers accounted for almost half of the cost of a non-veg thali.“An estimated 2% year-on-year decline in broiler prices has led to a decline in the cost of non-veg thali, which accounts for about 50% of the cost on a high base,” the report said.
The cost of monthly thali has also declined
On a month-on-month basis, the prices of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis declined by 3 per cent and 2 per cent respectively.The report showed that tomato and potato prices have declined by 6 per cent month-on-month, while onion prices have fallen by 14 per cent. Prices of pulses also declined by 6 percent due to increase in opening stock.“Arhar stocks for the July-June marketing year are estimated to be 20% higher, while Bengal gram stocks for the January-December marketing year are ~10% higher this season, putting upward pressure on prices,” the report said.However, global supply disruptions pushed vegetable oil prices up by 6 per cent, while LPG cylinder prices rose by 14 per cent, limiting overall relief for households.
