Rising tomato prices increases thali cost for the third month in a row: CRISIL

The cost of a thali rose sequentially for the third month in a row in July, and also inched up on-year for the first time this fiscal, mainly due to soaring tomato prices, said CRISIL Ratings in its monthly indicator of food plate cost.

The cost of vegetarian and nonvegetarian thalis rose 34% and 13% on-month, respectively, in July. Of the 34% rise in the cost of a vegetarian thali, 25% can be attributed solely to the price of tomato, which rose 233% on month to Rs 110/kg in July from Rs 33/kg in June

The prices of onion and potato increased 16% and 9% on month, respectively, contributing further to the increase in cost. Chili and cumin also became more expensive, their prices rising 69% and 16% on-month, respectively, in July. However, given the lower quantities of these ingredients used in a thali, their cost contribution remains lower than some of the vegetable crops.


The cost of a non-vegetarian thali rose at a slower pace as the price of broilers, comprising more than 50% of the cost, likely declined 3-5% on-month in July − A 2% on-month decline in the price of vegetable oil provided some respite from the increase in the cost of both thalis.

The average cost of preparing a thali at home is calculated based on input prices prevailing in north, south, east, and west India. Monthly change reflects the impact on the common man’s expenditure. The data also reveals that the ingredients (cereals, pulses, broilers, vegetables, spices, edible oil, cooking gas) is driving the change in cost of a thali.