Did the Cost of Home-Cooked Veg and Non-Veg Thalis Decrease in January?
Synopsis
In January, the costs for home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis saw a significant decrease, thanks to lower prices on key ingredients. This report highlights essential price trends and their impact on home cooking in households across the nation.
Key Takeaways
Vegetarian thali costs dropped by 1% in January.
Non-vegetarian thali prices decreased by 7% .
Onion prices fell 27% while potato prices dropped 23% .
Tomato prices rose 50% due to low arrivals.
Pulse prices decreased by 14% thanks to improved stock.
New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) The expenses related to preparing a home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali have seen a decline in January compared to the same month last year, largely due to the drop in prices of essential vegetables and pulses, a report revealed on Tuesday.
A detailed analysis by Crisil Intelligence indicates that the price of a vegetarian thali fell by 1 percent year-on-year in January, while the cost of a non-vegetarian thali decreased by 7 percent.
The reduction in the cost of vegetarian thalis was primarily attributed to a significant decrease in the prices of onions, potatoes, and pulses.
Nonetheless, an increase in tomato prices somewhat mitigated the overall relief, according to Crisil’s latest monthly food plate cost indicator.
In January 2026, tomato prices surged by 50 percent from Rs 31 per kg in January 2025 to Rs 46 per kg, as reported.
This rise was due to a 39 percent reduction in arrivals during the month, although it came from a low base from last year.
Conversely, onion prices fell by 27 percent year-on-year due to increased stock availability and reduced exports.
Potato prices dropped by 23 percent as last year's lower yields had inflated prices, resulting in a high base effect.
Pushan Sharma, Director of Crisil Intelligence, noted that the drop in vegetarian thali costs stemmed from the steep decline in onion, potato, and pulse prices.
He elaborated, “Onion and pulse prices eased because of improved stock levels, while potato prices fell due to last year's high base. In contrast, tomato prices rose owing to a low base from last year.”
Prices of pulses decreased by 14 percent compared to the previous year as stocks improved in the current fiscal year.
This was bolstered by increased imports of Bengal gram, yellow pea, and black gram. Imports of Bengal gram surged ninefold year-on-year in fiscal 2025, while yellow pea imports rose by 85 percent and black gram imports by 31 percent.
These imports were permitted until March 2026, despite the imposition of minor duties. Simultaneously, some input costs saw an increase.
Vegetable oil prices rose by 4 percent year-on-year due to a tighter global supply of soybean oil, which led to higher domestic prices.
Additionally, liquefied petroleum gas cylinder prices saw a 6 percent increase year-on-year, which limited the overall reduction in thali costs.
Point of View
The recent declines in thali costs due to reduced vegetable and pulse prices reflect positive market changes that could ease household budgets. However, the rise in tomato and oil prices serves as a reminder of the volatility in food markets, necessitating ongoing monitoring of these trends for consumers.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the price drop in vegetarian thalis?
The price drop in vegetarian thalis was mainly due to significant decreases in onion, potato, and pulse prices.
How much did non-vegetarian thali prices fall?
Non-vegetarian thali prices fell by 7 percent year-on-year in January.
What vegetable saw a price increase?
Tomato prices increased by 50 percent year-on-year, primarily due to reduced arrivals.
Are pulse prices still declining?
Yes, pulse prices have dropped by 14 percent compared to last year, aided by improved stock levels.
What is the current trend for vegetable oil prices?
Vegetable oil prices have risen by 4 percent year-on-year due to tighter global supplies.
