Home-Cooked Meals Now 13% Cheaper as Vegetable and Pulse Prices Fall: CRISIL

Due to the decline in vegetable and pulse prices, home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals were 13% cheaper in a year. According to Crisil Ratings, the price of a vegetarian meal came down to ₹32.7 in November 2024 from ₹53.8 in November 2024.

According to Crisil, on a monthly basis, the price of a non-vegetarian thali in October was ₹54.4, and that of a vegetarian thali was ₹27.80. The average cost of preparing a thali at home is calculated based on prices in North, South, East, and West India. Potato and tomato prices increased by 5% and ₹27.80, respectively, increasing the overall cost of the thali. Prices of other major commodities remained roughly stable.

Due to excess supply, the tomato price plunged 17% versus last year's level. Similarly, the potato price declined 29% during this period due to a high base. Onion prices decreased by 53% owing to excess stock availability from the previous Rabi season and weak exports. Pulse prices fell 17% in the current financial year amid increased stock availability, encouraged by higher imports.

The price of vegetable oil and gas cylinders increased by 6% due to increased demand during the festive season. This limited the decline in the overall cost of the thali. The price of the non-vegetarian thali has fallen due to a 12 percent drop in chicken prices, which accounts for about 50 percent of the total cost. Lower prices of vegetables and pulses have also contributed to the decline.