Like a simmering pot, the tomato inflation has added a fiery twist to the recipe of costs, fueling a notable 34% surge in the price of the beloved vegetarian thali.
Mumbai: The cost of preparing a ‘vegetarian thali’ experienced a notable 34% escalation in July compared to June due to the surging tomato prices, as highlighted in a report released by a division of a prominent rating agency on Monday.
In contrast, the impact on the cost of a non-vegetarian thali was relatively modest, with a mere 13% increase, according to Crisil’s ‘Roti Rice Rate’ report for August.
The substantial inflation observed in thali costs can be predominantly attributed to the staggering 233% surge in tomato prices, soaring from Rs 33 per kilogram in June to Rs 110 per kilogram in July, as detailed in the report.
Crisil further elaborated that the calculation of the average cost of preparing a thali at home takes into account prevailing input prices across different regions in India, encompassing the north, south, east, and west.
This marks the third consecutive month of inflation in thali costs. The report also highlights that this is the first instance in the fiscal year 2023-24 when prices have escalated on a year-on-year basis.
Contributing to the overall cost hike, onion prices increased by 16% and potato prices rose by 9% on a month-on-month basis, as outlined in the report.
Although chilli prices experienced a 69% upsurge in July compared to June, Crisil noted that the relatively lower quantity required in food preparation limits the impact on thali costs.
For non-vegetarian consumers, the increase in thali costs was partially offset by a 3-5% decrease in the cost of broiler chicken, which constitutes half of the expenses involved, the report emphasized.
Furthermore, a 2% month-on-month decline in the price of vegetable oil provided some relief from the elevated costs of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis, the report concluded.
