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The findings suggest that those opting for chicken-based meals instead of dal and vegetables paid less compared to vegetarians.
A typical vegetarian thali consists of roti, vegetables (onion, tomato, potato), rice, dal, curd, and salad, whereas non-vegetarian thalis substitute dal with chicken.
In October 2024, the prices of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis saw an uptick, but non-vegetarian dishes fared relatively better in terms of price increases. According to the latest Roti Rice Rate (RRR) report by Crisil, the cost of a vegetarian thali surged by 20%, while non-vegetarian thali prices rose by a more modest 5%. The findings suggest that those opting for chicken-based meals instead of dal and vegetables paid less compared to vegetarians.
The price hikes are attributed primarily to the soaring costs of essential vegetables, including onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. Crisil’s analysis explains that vegetarian thalis were hit harder due to the rise in vegetable prices, while the inclusion of chicken in non-vegetarian thalis helped buffer the price increase. A typical vegetarian thali consists of roti, vegetables (onion, tomato, potato), rice, dal, curd, and salad, whereas non-vegetarian thalis substitute dal with chicken.
The steep rise in the cost of vegetarian thalis can largely be traced to the sharp increases in the prices of key vegetables. Onions, for instance, saw a 46% price hike, while potatoes jumped by 51%. These increases stemmed from adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains in September that delayed onion harvests in Maharashtra and Karnataka, as well as a reduced supply of Rabi potatoes. The situation is expected to ease with the arrival of fresh potatoes around December-January.
Tomatoes, another key ingredient in the vegetarian thali, also saw a significant rise. From a price of Rs 29 per kilogram in October 2023, the cost soared to Rs 64 per kg in October 2024, marking a staggering 120% increase. Crop damage due to the September rains in key growing states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh led to lower-than-expected arrivals, pushing prices up. However, experts anticipate a stabilisation in tomato prices in November as new supplies from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh are expected to hit the markets.
Pulses and Fuel Prices Also Affected Price Change
Another factor influencing the rise in vegetarian thali prices was the 11% increase in the cost of pulses, which account for about 9% of the total cost of a vegetarian meal. This price surge is attributed to a combination of reduced stock levels and increased demand during the festive season. However, prices are expected to stabilise with the arrival of fresh pulses in December.
On a positive note, fuel prices saw a reduction of 11% compared to last year, which helped prevent an even steeper rise in thali prices, as transportation costs were lower.
Monthly Price Trends
Looking at month-on-month changes, the cost of a vegetarian thali rose by 6% in October, while non-vegetarian thali prices increased by 4%. A key driver of the rise was a 39% increase in tomato prices and a 6% rise in the cost of onions. Additionally, the price of vegetable oil, another essential ingredient, rose by 10%. The relatively modest increase in non-vegetarian thali prices can be attributed to the stable pricing of chicken during the same period.
Overall, the report highlighted how the rising cost of basic ingredients – particularly vegetables – affected the affordability of vegetarian meals, while non-vegetarian meals were less impacted due to the substitution of vegetables with chicken.
