Rising Costs push up prices of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals in India
The month of June saw an increase in the cost of home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals or ‘thalis’ across different regions of India according to recent data. The cost of the average vegetarian thali, which consists of staples like roti, rice, dal and vegetables, went up by 6% compared to the previous month. At the same time, the non-vegetarian thali saw a 4% increase in price over the same period.
As per analysts, the main reason for the hike in vegetarian thali rates was a significant rise in the prices of key vegetables like onions, potatoes and tomatoes ranging from 9-29% month-on-month. Vegetable supplies have taken a hit due to unfavorable weather conditions affecting crop yields. Onion arrivals fell sharply while tomato crop in major producing states witnessed lower output due to virus infestation under high temperatures. This shortage drove retail rates higher for these dietary essentials. The inflation in rice and pulses was also above a year ago levels further pushing up thali costs.
The non-vegetarian component saw some restraint in price jump to just 4% as rising broiler or chicken rates, a key inclusion, remained largely stable declining about 1% which softened the impact. However, elevated vegetable inflation added to the non-veg bill as well. On an annual basis, the average vegetarian thali became 10% dearer while the non-vegetarian version became slightly cheaper by 4% helped by lower chicken rates compared to a year earlier.
Going forward, kitchen expenses are expected to remain on the higher side at least till arrivals of Kharif vegetable crops hit the markets. Consumers will have to budget more for regular meals unless supply conditions stabilize and rein in inflation across essential food items.
