The average cost of a thali 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, broiler, vegetables, spices, edible oil, cooking gas) driving changes in the cost of a thali.

Over April-December 2022, the average cost of a thali increased on-year each month due to higher prices of wheat, chicken, cooking fuel, and vegetable oil 

• The cost of a veg thali rose 9% on-year, while that of a non-veg thali rose more than 32% on-year
• Broiler (chicken) prices rose more than 55% on-year due to elevated feed cost, which led to the steep hike in non-veg thali prices
• Wheat flour prices rose around 15% on-year due to a heat wave-induced decline in production even as demand remained healthy
• Vegetable oil prices increased 6%
• Adding fuel to the rising meal cost were higher LPG prices, which shot up 20% on-year

Since January 2023, thali prices have moderated sequentially 

• In April 2023, the cost of a veg thali remained flat on-year and that of a non-veg thali declined 2% on-year
• Vegetable oil and broiler prices declined 16% and 2-4% on-year in April 2023, respectively, providing some respite
• Prices of wheat flour and LPG have risen 12% and 11% on-year in April 2023, respectively, preventing further decline in thali cost