When it comes to Indian thalis, there is a common belief that vegetarian options are always cheaper than non-vegetarian ones. However, the latest statistics from the CRISIL Intelligence Report for May 2026 reveal a different story. The cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali rose 5% year-on-year, while a non-vegetarian thali became 7% more expensive. This article explores the factors behind these price hikes.
Key Findings of the CRISIL Report
According to the CRISIL Intelligence Report, the average cost of preparing a thali at home increased significantly in May 2026 compared to the same month in 2025. The report calculates costs based on input prices from four regions of India: north, south, east, and west. The monthly change reflects the impact on the common man's expenditure. The data identifies the ingredients driving the change, including cereals, pulses, broilers, vegetables, spices, edible oil, and cooking gas.
Tomato Prices Surge 57%
The report highlights that tomato prices were the biggest contributor to the increase in food plate costs. Prices surged 57% year-on-year to ₹36 per kg in May 2026 from ₹23 per kg a year earlier. This sharp increase was attributed to a 3%-4% decline in rabi production in southern states, lower summer crop acreage, and adverse weather conditions affecting yields.
Vegetable Oil and LPG Costs Rise
Vegetable oil prices increased 8% year-on-year, while LPG cylinder prices rose 7%, largely due to ongoing global supply disruptions. These factors contributed significantly to the rise in meal costs.
Impact on Thali Costs
The average cost of a vegetarian thali rose to ₹27.4 in May 2026 from ₹26.2 in May 2025. The cost of a non-vegetarian thali increased to ₹54.8 from ₹51.2 during the same period. On a month-on-month basis, both thalis became 3% costlier in May 2026.
Broiler Chicken Prices Add to Non-Veg Thali Costs
For non-vegetarian meals, rising broiler chicken prices further added to the cost burden. CRISIL estimated that broiler prices increased 9% year-on-year and account for nearly half the cost of a non-vegetarian thali. The increase was attributed to intense summer heat, which led to higher bird mortality and reduced poultry supplies.
Expert Opinion
Pushan Sharma, Director at CRISIL Intelligence, stated that higher prices of tomatoes, vegetable oil, and LPG were the primary factors behind the increase in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali costs during May 2026.
