Vegetarian Thali Cost Hits 7-Month High At ₹29.1 In July As Onion Prices Surge: Crisil Report

The cost of preparing a home-cooked vegetarian meal increased in July, reaching its highest level in seven months, as rising onion prices, higher cooking gas rates and expensive edible oil pushed up household food expenses.

According to Crisil Intelligence’s monthly Roti Rice Rate report, the average cost of a vegetarian thali increased to ₹29.1 in July from ₹28.4 in June, marking a 2% monthly rise. The cost was last recorded at this level in December 2025.

On a year-on-year basis, the vegetarian thali became 4% more expensive compared with July 2025.

Meanwhile, the cost of a non-vegetarian thali remained unchanged at ₹58.3 in July compared with the previous month. However, it was 9% higher than the same period last year.

Onion Prices Push Vegetarian Meal Costs Higher

The biggest contributor to the monthly increase in vegetarian thali prices was onions, with prices rising 23% in July compared with June. Potato prices also increased by 4% during the month.

Although tomato prices declined by 1% and several other ingredients remained stable, the fall was not enough to offset the sharp increase in onion costs.

On an annual basis, onion prices were 20% higher due to supply constraints caused by damage to stored rabi stocks. Unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms in Maharashtra during March and April affected crops and inventories, resulting in tighter supplies and higher market prices.

The cost pressure was further increased by rising input expenses. Vegetable oil prices climbed 11% compared with last year, while LPG cylinder prices increased 10%, largely due to supply disruptions and higher energy costs linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Chicken Prices Drive Annual Rise In Non-Veg Thali Cost

The rise in vegetarian meal costs was partially moderated by lower prices of some vegetables. Potato prices fell 12% annually due to increased rabi production supported by expanded cultivation.

Tomato prices also declined 2% year-on-year as delayed plantation cycles led to increased arrivals in July, helping ease prices.

For non-vegetarian households, the annual increase was sharper due to higher broiler chicken prices.