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 the ingredients (cereals, pulses, broilers, vegetables, spices, edible oil, cooking gas) driving changes in the cost of a thali.
Slipping on tomato
The cost of a vegetarian thali fell 17% on-month in September. The major contribution was from tomato prices, which declined ~62% on-month to Rs 39/kg in September 2023 from Rs 102/kg in August
Onion prices rose ~12% on month in September and are expected to remain firm amid the expected lower output in kharif 2023
The cost of a non-vegetarian thali declined 9% on month due to a 2-3% estimated on month increase in prices of broiler (more than 50% share in the total thali cost)
Cost of fuel, which accounts for 14% and 8% of total cost of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis, respectively, declined ~18% on month in September as the cost of a 14.2kg LPG cylinder fell to Rs 903 from Rs 1,103
Prices of chillies also provided some relief by cooling off ~31% on month
