The cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali in India rose to ₹29.1 in July, a 4% increase from last year, driven by higher prices for onions, vegetable oil, and LPG. Meanwhile, non-vegetarian meal costs climbed 9% to ₹58.3. Rising costs of staple ingredients and energy pressures are key monitorables for household budgets.
The cost of a home-cooked meal in India saw an upward trend in July 2026, putting pressure on household budgets. According to the latest Crisil Roti Rice Rate report, the price of a vegetarian thali rose to ₹29.1, marking a 4% increase compared to the same month last year and a 2% rise from June.
The cost of a non-vegetarian thali also saw a steeper increase, reaching ₹58.3, which is 9% higher than a year ago. While the month-on-month cost for non-vegetarian meals remained flat, the year-on-year increase was largely influenced by a 14% rise in broiler chicken prices, which typically make up a significant portion of a non-vegetarian meal's total cost.
Key Factors Driving Food Costs
The primary driver for the rise in the vegetarian thali cost has been the sharp increase in onion prices, which surged 20% year-on-year and 23% month-on-month. This spike was largely due to tighter supplies caused by unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms in Maharashtra, alongside the entry of higher-priced stored rabi stocks into the market.
Energy and input costs have also played a role in the recent price trend. Vegetable oil prices have risen by 11% year-on-year, and LPG cylinder costs have increased by 10%. Analysts point to global energy price pressures linked to the conflict in West Asia and higher import costs as the reasons behind these sustained price levels for fuel and cooking oil.
Offsetting Factors and Future Risks
Not all items saw price increases. The rise in overall thali costs was partially offset by a year-on-year decline in the prices of potatoes and tomatoes, which fell by 12% and 2%, respectively, compared to last year. These commodities provided some relief to the overall plate cost.
However, the outlook remains cautious for the coming months. Market analysts expect onion prices to remain firm due to tight supply conditions. There is also potential upward pressure on potato prices as more expensive cold-storage stocks are released into the market. Furthermore, tomato prices may face upward pressure from September onwards, driven by delayed kharif arrivals and seasonal festive demand.
For investors and observers of the consumer sector, the path of food inflation is an important factor to track. While the current rise is specific to a few commodities, sustained inflation in essential food items can impact discretionary spending patterns. The focus in the coming months will remain on the fresh harvest arrivals and how supply-side interventions or weather conditions manage the availability of these essential kitchen staples.