In a mixed bag for Indian kitchens, Crisil Intelligence reports that the cost of preparing a vegetarian thali at home stayed flat in February year-on-year, even as non-vegetarian versions became 3 percent more affordable.
Key offsets kept veg prices steady: while onions crashed 24 percent on abundant supply, potatoes fell 13 percent amid peak harvesting and ongoing cold storage releases, and pulses dropped 9 percent with high initial stocks, surging tomato prices neutralized these gains.
This thali cost index draws from prevailing raw material rates in all major Indian regions, offering a clear snapshot of how food inflation—or deflation—affects everyday budgets.
Non-veg thalis benefited from a 7 percent annual dip in broiler chicken prices, which dominate half the meal’s expense.
‘Tomatoes faced setbacks from late sowing, slashing market arrivals by 32 percent between late 2025 and early 2026,’ said Pushpan Sharma, Director at Crisil Intelligence.
Relief is on the horizon for veggies. Expect tomatoes to ease post mid-April with better seasonal inflows. Potatoes will likely hit rock bottom in March-April, but onions might stay under pressure for 2-3 months without export boosts.
Global tensions in the Middle East spell caution for basmati rice, potentially softening prices as demand wanes. With heavy reliance on the region for exports, logistics worries loom large. Non-basmati shipments to Africa, however, should hold steady.