Home-Cooked Non-Veg Thali Cost Declines 1% in March 2026, Veg Thali Remains Stable
The cost of preparing a home-cooked non-vegetarian thali fell by 1 percent year-on-year in March 2026, while the price of a vegetarian thali remained unchanged, according to the latest Roti Rice Rate report from Crisil Intelligence. This monthly indicator tracks how fluctuations in food prices impact household budgets across India, with data compiled from input prices in North, South, East, and West regions.
Tomato Price Spike Prevents Cheaper Veg Thali
The vegetarian thali stayed flat largely due to a sharp 33 percent year-on-year increase in tomato prices, which rose to Rs 28 per kg in March 2026 from Rs 21 per kg in March 2025. The report attributes this spike to delayed transplantation in major producing states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, which adversely affected crop growth, yields, and market arrival timing.
In contrast, onion prices dropped 25 percent on-year, driven by excess supply from overlapping late kharif arrivals and rabi harvest, coupled with weak exports, leading to distress sales given the limited shelf life of late kharif onions. Potato prices also declined 13 percent year-on-year, aided by weak demand from the hotel, restaurant, and catering sector and broader stock liquidation.
Broiler Prices Drive Non-Veg Thali Cost Down
The 1 percent fall in the non-vegetarian thali cost was primarily fueled by softer chicken prices. Broiler prices decreased an estimated 2 percent year-on-year, which had a significant impact as broilers account for approximately half the cost of a non-veg thali. The report notes this decline occurred on a high base from the previous year.
Monthly Thali Costs Also Show Decline
On a month-on-month basis, the cost of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis fell by 3 percent and 2 percent, respectively. Tomato and potato prices each slipped 6 percent month-on-month, while onion prices fell 14 percent. Pulse prices eased 6 percent due to higher opening stocks, with tur inventories for the July-June marketing year estimated to be 20 percent higher and Bengal gram stocks for the January-December marketing year about 10 percent higher this season, exerting downward pressure on prices.
However, global supply disruptions pushed vegetable oil prices up 6 percent, and LPG cylinder prices rose 14 percent, which limited the overall relief for households despite the declines in other food items.
The Crisil Intelligence report highlights how lower prices of onions, potatoes, and pulses helped offset higher costs of tomatoes, vegetable oil, and fuel, providing a nuanced view of food inflation dynamics affecting common Indian meals.
